Beverly Brandau

Beverly Jean Brandau, 99, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia. Born on November 28, 1925, in Rudd, Iowa, Beverly was the daughter of Ardene Brandau and Florian Adam Brandau. Her life was one of intellectual curiosity, deep compassion, and a boundless spirit of adventure.

Raised on a farm and educated in a one-room schoolhouse, Beverly developed a profound appreciation for learning early in life. Determined to pursue higher education, she worked diligently to fund her studies at the University of Iowa, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1948. She later obtained a master's degree in education from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland.

During World War II, Beverly contributed to the war effort through administrative work for the Army-a role she held with pride. In the years that followed, she balanced life as a homemaker with her growing passion for education. After returning to school to earn her master's degree, she began teaching second grade at Stoneleigh Elementary School. For twenty years, she dedicated herself to her students, often staying up late preparing thoughtful lesson plans. Colleagues looked to her as a mentor, and she believed deeply in the importance of reading and math as foundational skills for all children.

Beverly's passion for education extended beyond the classroom. In retirement, she traveled to underserved communities in Italy and Poland to teach English as a second language. Her commitment to global understanding and education inspired the creation of the F.A.B. Brandau Family Fund at the University of Iowa in 2011. Named in honor of Florian Adam Brandau, Ardene Eggers Brandau, and Beverly herself ('48 BA), the fund supports international student programs that foster meaningful cultural exchange between students and community members. It also funds Alzheimer's disease research through the Department of Neurology and brain tumor research at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center-further testament to Beverly's enduring commitment to learning and service.

Her love of knowledge was matched by her love of nature and exploration. Beverly was an avid member of several clubs throughout her life, including a botany club, bird watching club, book club, and finance club. A passionate gardener, she transformed her property into a natural landscape habitat filled with diverse trees and flowers. Visitors could stroll along walkways she created to enjoy the beauty she so carefully cultivated.

Beverly's adventurous spirit led her across the globe-from Antarctica to China, Morocco to Vietnam, and nearly every corner of Europe. One of her most memorable journeys was to China, where she prepared 100 laminated cards with an American penny and stamp affixed alongside a bilingual greeting: "Hello from your American friend, Beverly Brandau." The gesture touched many hearts and exemplified her desire to build bridges between cultures. One man's response-"Thank you for trying to bridge the gap between the Chinese people and the American people"-remained especially meaningful to her.

Her travels also took her to Africa, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Alaska, Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands, Cuba, India, Australia, Lithuania, Thailand, and more. She collected keepsakes from around the world-among them a large Moroccan rug and a unique painting from Israel-and cherished each item as a reminder of the connections she made.

A voracious reader throughout her life, Beverly borrowed stacks of books from the library until her eyesight began to fade. With the help of home health aides and audiobooks arranged by her daughter and son-in-law, she continued enjoying literature well into her later years. She was also a lifelong stamp collector and found joy in music concerts and symphonies.

For over two decades, Beverly participated in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging (BLSA) through Johns Hopkins University. Each year, she volunteered several days for physical and cognitive testing-eager to contribute to research that might benefit future generations.

Beverly's spiritual journey led her from Presbyterian roots to Unitarianism after adopting her children Carla and Doug. She valued spiritual freedom and encouraged her children to explore their own beliefs.

Her daughter Carla Kooij and son-in-law Huib Kooij shared a close bond with Beverly. They included her in their travels to Holland and welcomed her into their home during holidays and times of need. When Beverly underwent cancer treatment in Boston, they cared for her with unwavering devotion-supporting her recovery from both cancer and pneumonia.

Beverly was known for her warmth and generosity. She welcomed friends and strangers alike into her home-especially those from other countries-and delighted in entertaining guests with kindness and grace. Her thoughtful gestures left lasting impressions on those around her. She inspired others through simple acts-helping plan gardens or encouraging travel-and made everyone feel seen and valued.

Among those who traveled with Beverly were Mark and Lisa Koepke, who described her as "one of the most impressive individuals they had ever met-well read, kind to a fault, always ready for adventure, fearless in all things, possessing a terrific sense of humor." Their words echo the admiration felt by many who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her mother Ardene Brandau Koelder; father Florian A. Brandau; brother James "Jim" Brandau; and sister Marilyn Tubbesing.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Carla Kooij; son-in-law Huib Kooij; son Douglas Haag; daughter-in-law Kathy Haag; and all whose lives were enriched by her presence.

Beverly Jean Brandau lived nearly a century with grace, courage, curiosity, and compassion. Her legacy endures through the lives she touched-in classrooms, across continents, through books shared and gardens grown.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

A memorial will be scheduled at a later date. Those interested in attending are invited to contact Carla Kooij at carlakooij@verizon.net or text her at 703-587-6845 for more information.