Sandra Brady

Sandy, 86, a resident of Albuquerque, NM since 1973, passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022. She is survived by her sons, Eric D. Tessier and wife, Laurel of Las Cruces, NM, and Mark S. Tessier of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Benjamin Tessier of Houston, TX, Alesia "Nikki" Morrison and husband, Bill of Cedar Crest, NM, and Rachel Reyes and husband, Jacob of Baytown, TX, Katherine Tessier of Las Cruces, NM; great-grandchildren, Dean Morrison, Harrison Morrison, Emmett Reyes, and Elliott Reyes; brother, Andrew M. Swartz and wife, Jane of Dallas, TX; nieces, Lauren Swartz, Annie Swartz, and Morgan Swartz. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Dorothy Swartz; her husband, James R. Matthews; and her son, Daniel D. Tessier.

Sandy attended the University of Texas in Austin studying Graphical Design. Her career catapulted down a variety of paths, including working in a dark room at the Roswell Daily Record and as office manager of a neon sign company in that community. Sandy was manager of an architect firm and at one point owned and operated a fertilizer company. She was the first woman President of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the state of NM and was asked to consider a run for Governor. Her various volunteer pursuits included managing director of the Albuquerque Little Theatre (ALT). Sandy was office manager of the Montgomery Church of Christ. Always the skilled and willing communicator, when Sandy was with the BBB and ALT, she would conduct weekly spots on KOB and KRQE.

Her final career move was as a motivational speaker. She spoke at schools, Fortune 500 companies, the U.S. Department of Energy, Sky Jumpers of Idaho, and the Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. She also had a successful career conducting on-board seminars for Cunard Cruise Lines and other carriers. Sandy's motivational speaking led her to key-note events on five continents.

She was the first female Rotarian, both in the state of NM and in Australia. She was Honorary Wing Commander at Kirkland Air Force Base; she toured NORAD and logged a few minutes in command of the Goodyear Blimp.

She was the ultimate hostess and accomplished gourmet chief. She even attended classes at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. With all these accomplishments, the one most valuable to her was raising her three sons, and the joy of spending time with their children and grandchildren.

The family will have a Private Memorial Service. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, Sandy desired memorial contributions may be made to the Abused Woman's Shelter in Albuquerque or to Veteran's charities.