Amy Lucinda Brandzel

Dr. Amy Lucinda Brandzel, a beloved sister, daughter, cousin, colleague, teacher, and friend passed away at her home on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in the care of her family and surrounded by her cherished pets.

(Amy used she/her and them/they pronouns) Amy's distinctive personality was genuine and honest. She was truly her own person, but she did embody many family traits. They were an exceptional reader/writer/researcher (father, Tom). Amy was an advocate for those who were underrepresented (mother, Kathy). She had a strong and bold voice with no tolerance for ignorance (grandmother, Peggy "Grey"). Amy loved the outdoors/gardening/entertaining. (grandmother, Dorothy "Honey"). They had an affinity for music and sarcasm, shared with her brother, Mike. Amy formed deeply intimate and loyal bonds with those she loved. They held a soft spot for Minnesota and California, two places where she spent formative years.

Amy adored long conversations, often arguing her tenacious moral imperative to seemingly no end exposing a generous and forever hopeful heart. She had a gift for connecting with young people and animals. Amy was loved by her nieces, nephews, and colleagues' children. They were respected by her students and honored by the UNM Alumni with a Faculty Teaching Award in 2017. Amy held a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and an M.A. in Humanities and Social Thought at New York University. They were one of the first graduate students to earn their PhD in Feminist Studies from the University of Minnesota. Amy worked as an Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico, where they held a joint appointment in American Studies and Women Studies. They were known for their groundbreaking contributions on the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. Also, in recent years they became active in disabilities studies, inspiring their students to start the UNM's CRIP Liberation student group. Diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer nearly 15 years ago, Amy emphatically refused to give into the cancer. Her inspiring strength and courage was never in doubt. She was always optimistic and fought to the very end.

A special thanks to all those in the UNM Cancer Center that helped Amy treat the cancer "her way". Their intellect, love and vision of true equality for all beings will leave a beautiful imprint on all of our lives.