One of the “Braendel kids” featured in television commercials for Erie’s Braendel Services through the years has died.
Chelsea Braendel, 35, of Erie, died on March 31.
She was first featured in a commercial for the business as an infant. Erie audiences watched her grow through years in the commercials — especially holiday ads — featuring all seven children of Kelli and Dennis Braendel, who founded Braendel Services in 1972.
“Family is so important to the Braendels. And it meant a lot, I think, that the commercials celebrated their family,” said Braendel family friend and client Patty Puline.
“It made their work personal.”
Remembered for kindness and humor
Family, friends, co-workers and clients remember Chelsea Braendel as more than one of the “Braendel kids.”
Chelsea Braendel was a graduate of Villa Maria Academy and Tony & Guy Hairdressing Academy and was employed at Ambridge Rose Spa & Salon in Millcreek.
Chelsea Braendel, of Erie, has died at age 35.
The salon shared a tribute and condolences with the Braendel family in an Instagram post on April 5.
“Chelsea was a dedicated and talented stylist and makeup artist,” the salon posted. “Chelsea brought humor and thoughtfulness to others at the salon.”
“Chelsea was a beautiful, kind and energetic lady,” Joanne McCall wrote on memorial pages posted by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home, which is handling services for Chelsea Braendel. “I loved her and the conversations we had as she styled my hair.”
Family “meant everything” to Chelsea Braendel, according to her obituary:
“She adored spending time together, laughing and reminiscing about the crazy childhood memories they shared. As the self-proclaimed ‘princess’ of the seven Braendel children, she embraced that role with humor and pride.”
Six siblings survive
Chelsea Braendel had an affinity for people with special needs and “was drawn to opportunities that allowed her to serve others, like the Night to Shine event in Erie,” according to her obituary.
Night to Shine is a prom experience for young adults with special needs.
Memorial donations in Chelsea Braendel’s honor are to be made to Erie Night to Shine Foundation, according to her family’s request.
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In addition to her parents and “love of her life and best friend” Zach Miller, Chelsea Braendel is survived by siblings Paula Kroell, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Katie Cacchione, Dennis Braendel, Ashley Eliason and Shane Braendel, all of Erie; and Troy Braendel, of Boynton Beach, Florida.
The family did not share a cause of death in Chelsea Braendel’s obituary.
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: One of Erie TV’s ‘Braendel kids,’ Chelsea Braendel, dies at 35