SOUTH HADLEY, MA – Alexandra L. “Ali” Brannan Brunelle, 53, of South Hadley, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday evening, surrounded by her family. Born in Cleburne, Texas.
Ali was the daughter of the late Craig Brannan and Carla J. (Cronkrite) Brannan of South Hadley. She moved to Massachusetts at a young age and graduated from Smith Academy, where she was known for her energy and spirit as a cheerleader-qualities that would define her throughout her life.
Ali lived fully and unapologetically. She was the life of the party, someone who could make a room feel warmer just by being in it. She loved to cook, to host, and to bring people together, making everyday moments feel like something worth celebrating. Whether she was arranging flowers, decorating for the holidays, or creating custom wreaths through her “Ali-Sue’s Creations”.
Ali had a gift for making things beautiful and making people feel cared for. She wore many hats over the years, including raising her daughters at home, working in traveling sales, and co-owning Meadows Golf Course in Greenfield. Alongside her late husband, Lucien “Luke” Brunelle, she later helped create L&A Riverfront, a beloved Airbnb on the Connecticut River where guests could experience the same warmth and hospitality she offered so naturally in her own life. Ali had a bold and spirited way of moving through the world-she loved cruising in her car with the music cranked and a cigarette in hand, windows down, completely in her element. She was funny, strong, and deeply resilient, meeting life’s challenges with grit and heart. Above all, Ali loved fiercely. Her children and granddaughter were the center of her world, and she showed up for them with unwavering devotion, pride, and love.
She recently embraced her role as a grandmother, proudly choosing the name “Fancy” over “Grammy,” a title that perfectly captured her personality and was lovingly adopted by her family and her cherished granddaughter, Wrenley Boston Nunez.
Ali was predeceased by her father, Craig Brannan; her husband, Lucien “Luke” Brunelle; and her former husband and the father of two of her daughters, David Nunez. She leaves behind her beloved mother, Carla J. (Cronkrite) Brannan and her husband John McCluskey of South Hadley; her devoted daughters, Kendell Kamansky and her partner Elliott Lutton of Williston, Vermont, Grace Nunez of South Hadley, and Sarah Nunez of South Deerfield; her cherished granddaughter, Wrenley Boston Nunez; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family in Massachusetts and Texas.
Family and friends are invited to gather at AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Road, Northampton, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to remember Ali, share stories, and celebrate her life.
If you knew Ali, you know she loved flowers-her family welcomes them in abundance in her memory.
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