Brianna passed away January 5, at her residence in Eureka. She will be fondly remembered as a strong, beautiful, talented, stylish woman whose bright smile and green sparkling eyes could light up any room.

Brianna was born October 30 in a mountain cabin nestled in the Eastern Sierras near Mammoth Lakes, California. Her early life was spent hiking, swimming and snowboarding. Her interests were varied. While attending Bishop school, Brianna showed her skill as a talented, creative, and prolific writer winning top awards for her stories. She was academically acknowledged yearly on the school’s honor roll. Bri won top medals in track when she was chosen for the Junior Olympics. She loved dancing, especially tap and freeform, and she was also involved in the chess club, school band (where she played flute), as well as softball. She threw a mean curve ball as star softball pitcher, often leading her team to “no hitter” games.

After high school, she continued her education by attending Santa Barbara City College and College of Marin, where she continued her creative path, focusing on painting and drawing. Bri became one of College of Marin’s student artists involved in the original “Faces of the Fallen” art project, honoring the first 1,000 young soldiers to perish in the Iraq war. Bri had a unique impressionistic painting style. She possessed insight into drawing faces that revealed the essence of her subject.

Brianna moved from Santa Barbara to Humboldt to be with her family in 2011. She loved the area and enjoyed quiet walks with her dog Jax in Sequoia Park and the Headwaters. She frequented Zen centers and her sense of simplicity and love for beauty expressed itself in everything she did from cooking to fashion.

Brianna found her passion working with children in the local school system and more recently with persons with disabilities, where her kind and caring nature found an outlet.

Bri is survived by her parents Christopher and Carole Haben of Eureka, brother Alexander and sister Desen Haben of Ferndale, and nephews Kieran and Phoenix who knew her as playful “Auntie Bri.” She will be missed by her large extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles in Michigan, Florida and Louisiana.

Brianna’s loving presence will remain with all who knew her and she will live on through her works and always in our hearts.

The family will hold a small private outdoor memorial.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to:

NAMI Humboldt County
PO Box 1225
Eureka, CA 95502-1225

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