Dyana Brayley

Dyana was born on April 1, 1959 in Hollywood, California. Her father, Donald C. Duffie, was an Italian American and mother, Midori Nakamura, was Japanese.

Dyana attended Ramona Elementary School. Her sixth grade teacher, Ms. Museus, was the strictest, most feared teacher in school. But Dyana loved her and Ms. Museus treated Dyana like a daughter. She was a straight A student who also showed artistic talent.

In high school, she tried to teach her brother Charles to disco dance for the prom, which he remembers fondly. She enjoyed spending time with little brother Daniel. He still has a filmstrip from one of their adventures.

Dyana graduated from Hollywood High School in 1977 and worked with her father in the auto industry. Like her dad, she loved to read. Her favorite author was Stephen King and her favorite book was “The Stand.”

But most of all, Dyana loved animals. After high school, she began a long history of adopting and caring for a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets, and cougars. But dogs were her favorite.

Her son, Adam, was born in 1980. One of Dyana’s proudest moments was when Adam became a United States Marine. Her daughter Chantell followed in 1989. Dyana always admired Chantel’s courage in moving to Australia and starting a new career.

In 2019, her granddaughter Sadie was born followed by her grandson Colt in 2021. They became the “children of her old age.” She adored their visits.

Dyana had a gift for making close friends. She made many sacrifices for her friends and developed many lasting relationships.

In her later years, she worked for the San Diego Human Society, helping save the animals that she loved so much. She developed many deep friendships.

When she was diagnosed in early 2023, the cancer was already far advanced. She passed away on August 30, 2023. Her friends and family were nearby during those last days.

She is survived by her brothers, Charles and Daniel, her children, Adam and Chantel, and her grandchildren, Sadie and Colt.

Dyana believed in heaven. She said she was certain she was going there and would see everyone again someday.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25