In Memory of Mary Brandt ’80
MARY E. BRANDT ’80 of Surprise, Arizona, died July 24, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in psychology and educational studies. She also studied special education at the University of St. Thomas. She taught in Watertown and New Richmond, Wisconsin, before moving to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1984. She spent the past 37 years in the Washington Elementary School District. For many years, she was a reading interventionist and Title I coordinator. After joining the coaching team at the district’s Administrative Center, she mentored reading teachers from the district’s 32 schools, coordinated the intergenerational volunteer program and helped facilitate the Washington Education Foundation’s mini-grant program. She was a Lamp of Learning recipient in 2002, the district’s highest honor.
Full obituary:
Mary Elizabeth Brandt
Jan. 21, 1958 – July 24, 2021
SURPRISE, AZ – It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Elizabeth Brandt, 63, of Surprise, Arizona, share her unexpected passing on July 24, 2021, of a pulmonary embolism. Mary was born on January 21, 1958, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She was a graduate of Tremper High School and Ripon College, where she studied psychology and elementary education.
A lifelong educator, Mary taught in Watertown and New Richmond, Wisconsin, before moving to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1984. Mary spent the past 37 years in the Washington Elementary School District. For many years, she worked as a reading interventionist and Title I coordinator. After joining the coaching team at the WESD Administrative Center, she mentored reading teachers from the district’s 32 schools, coordinated the intergenerational volunteer program and helped facilitate the Washington Education Foundation’s mini-grant program. She was a Lamp of Learning recipient in 2002, the WESD’s highest honor.
Mary was passionate, caring, adventurous and loved life. She will always be remembered for her kind and generous spirit. Mary went “above and beyond” in both her professional and personal life. The creative, special touches she added to holidays and family gatherings made the ordinary, extraordinary!
Mary is survived by her sisters and brothers: Jean Doud, Richard Brandt, Ruth Brandt, Susan Toris, Ann Smessaert, James Brandt and their spouses. Mary cherished the time she spent with her nine nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Elizabeth Brandt.
Wisconsin always held a special place in Mary’s heart. A public visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 AM, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Saturday, October 2, 2021, followed by a memorial Mass at 11:00 AM.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in November for her many friends and colleagues in Arizona. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.
