Rita Mae Brand

Rita Mae Brand
Praise and thanks be to God, her burdens have been laid down, and her trials are over.
She was called to eternal rest on October 7, 2022 at NewCare Nursing Home with her daughters beside her.
Born in Escanaba, Michigan on March 20, 1938 to Benjamin and Lucille (Deno) Doran, named after St. Rita, Saint of the Impossible, she married Raymond Brand and together they raised six children Four boys, James L. Brand, (deceased.) Charles R. (Gail) Brand, Michael J (Brenda) Brand, David E. (Tina) Brand, two daughters, Jeannine M. Blunck, and Lori L. Ellis. Her husband Raymond survives her. She is also survived by a brother Ronald Doran, and a sister Betty Petonquot. Multiple nephews, nieces, grand children and great grand children survive her as well.
Rita worked a variety of jobs over the years, including running her own gift shop in Union Grove, WI and later in Crivitz, WI. She loved painting ceramics and plaster crafts, and could paint the most beautiful eyes on any piece she made. She got special joy when someone would order items from her, and she would stamp the bottom of each piece "Busy B's Gift Shop." She was always talented in multiple arts. She could harmonize with anyone, and her voice was like music for the angels. She loved music so very much, and kept alive for us so many old songs that we shall likely never hear again. A song writer and poet, a painter, and illustrator among the things she most enjoyed. She loved to read, and loved to write. And more than anything else, she loved her family beyond measure. She would always share her time and talents with anyone who asked anything of her. She had a great sense of humor, but showed us so much in character and strength. She loved her prayer life and her closeness to her savior. She loved to garden and could "winter over" just about anything with roots. She loved holidays, and went all out to fill every one of them with love. Her Christmas tree was a font of her love for all of us, filled with angels, so many angels you couldn't possibly see them all. She loved to cook for every occasion, and her favorite thing was the smell of her fresh apple cake. No one ever left her house hungry. Strong and tough in times when most strong men would crumble, yet so tender and loving it could make you weep just to look in her beautiful green eyes. She will be forever loved, sorely missed and fondly remembered.
She was preceded in death by both parents, her sister Carol Kapellush, and a son, James.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary Parish in Crivitz on Thursday, October 13th from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery with luncheon following in the church hall. We invite all who loved and cared for her to attend to bid her farewell.
We need to thank and acknowledge the staff, the care and the genuine love from everyone at NewCare Convalescent Home in Crivitz, who welcomed her as a resident nearly two years ago, even though they didn't have to due to Covid restrictions. Without them, there are two years we would not have had with her. They know it to be true, and we know it to be true. Thank you for giving us nearly two years with her that we would not have had. God Bless each and every one of you.