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BORN
1928
DIED
2015
Barbara Brand Obituary
As an adventurous 21-year-old newlywed, Jeannie and her husband, Richard Brand, drove to Fairbanks from Auburn, New York, in 1949 and loved it. In 1968, they returned to Alaska and made Fairbanks their primary home until 2006 when they moved to Marysville, Washington. Jeannie and Richard shared 60 years together, raising their family, forging lifelong friendships and experiencing the unique beauty of Alaska, punctuated by frequent trips to Hawaii.
Jeannie is survived by her daughter, Debi, and son-in-law, Ron Burns; daughter Becky Hamlett, son Kern Brand, and son Michael and daughter-in-law Christi Brand. She is also survived by her grandchildren and their spouses: Rex and Terri Hamlett, Dacia and Roy Richardson, Chad and Sophie Brand, Dustin Brand and Tiffany Rhodes, and Wesley Burns, as well as seven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and their families who loved her dearly.
Jeannie was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Brand; grandson Riley August Brand, nephew Mark Eklund, mother Blanche Pitcher, parents-in-law Fred and Elizabeth Brand, sister and brother-in-law Anne and Fred Pitcher, brother and sister-in-law Bud and Donna Cooke, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marion and Bill Brand.
In her 87 years, Jeannie touched countless lives, and for those fortunate enough to know her, she will be remembered for her unfailing kindness, immense generosity of spirit and remarkable capacity to approach life positively on a daily basis. She was fun, beautiful in every way, creative, quietly courageous and an amazing listener who made us all feel better about ourselves when we were with her. Jeannie was a gift to all who knew her, and we will treasure our time with her forever. In lieu of flowers or donations to your favorite charity, please extend a random act of kindness to someone in memory of Jeannie.
No formal memorial service is planned at this time, however Jeannie's family and friends in several states will be gathering together to celebrate her life and legacy of love.
Please visit www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsminer to sign an online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Brand
November 14, 2015
Dear Debbie, Becky. Kern, Mike and family,
We were extremely saddened to learn of Jean's passing from this life, after her stroke.
We were always waiting for "that phone call" from her, when she would be able to talk to us.
Agnes treasured her friendship. Jean was the first person she met, when Agnes arrived in Fairbanks November 1949.
When we were in different parts of the country, our phone conversations kept us close.
We thoroughly enjoyed the 60+ years of friendship with your mother. The picture of her says it all, "your mother was such a joy to be around".
Our memories. of her, will be with us always.
Yours is a much shared sorrow.
Love, Paul and Agnes
Kelly (Engebretson) Elbert
November 9, 2015
Kern and family, I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My condolences to each of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Ruth Calandro
November 7, 2015
we were so sorry to hear of Jeanne s passing . I didn't know her all too well but I remember my sister Marion talking of Jeanne as a free spirit and I of course thought she was beautiful and she was . God bless you all. Aunt Ruth and uncle Joe
davd "Doc" akin
November 7, 2015
Dearest Jeannie, rest in peace now, you have earned it.Thou I have only known you in your golden years, what wonderful years they were...I will always remember your smile, the joy of your spirit...south sea islanders believe that when you are born it is your sunrise, and when you pass it is your sunset, and at those moments when the sun rises and sets, is when we shall remember you.......
Walt Schlotfeldt
November 6, 2015
I am so fortunate to have known Jean and a lot of the Brand family in the 60s and 70s! She was one of the most happy friendly people I have ever known. I always admired the adventurous side of Dick and Jean!
Walt Schlotfeldt
Cindy Allen
November 6, 2015
My condolences to the family and friends. I met Jean a couple times the past year and was taken in by her sweet nature. God Bless.
Denise Brand
November 6, 2015
My darling Aunt Jeannie was a bright light in my life and I am so incredibly sad at her passing. She was always so gentle, kind, encouraging and loving. I am so grateful for my time with her, and I will treasure my memories of her forever. My heart goes out to my cousins as they say goodbye to their Mom. I love you all.
Christi Brand
November 6, 2015
Jeannie was an angel here on earth! She taught us all lessons on living and loving life to it's fullest. She always found the positive in every situation and spread joy everywhere she went. May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you and the pure light within you guide your way home...
Julie Bonner Shelton
November 6, 2015
Our precious Jeannie, how heartbreaking to know she is not here with us. I have known Jeannie my whole life and she was the most gentle, soft spoken woman I have had the pleasure to know and call my friend. She was always such a lady. I will miss her terribly, and send prayers for strength to the family. And Bob, I share your sadness.
November 6, 2015
I am so thankful that I was able to reconnect with our sweet, beautiful Aunt Jeannie these last few years. She will be greatly missed by all her knew her. To our cousins, please know that we love you all so very much.
Leslie Brand
Lisa Brand
November 6, 2015
I am sad beyond words at the passing of this beautiful life. She has been an important part of my life since my birth and I am so incredibly grateful for her.
My son Matthew was also fortunate to know and love our Aunt Jean and she will live in our memories forever.
To my cousins, know that I love you all.
Lisa B.
November 6, 2015
I will miss you forever, my darling Aunt Jeannie. You were always such a bright light in my life. Always gentle, kind, encouraging and loving. I was so lucky to have you in my life. I love you so.
Nesi Brand
November 6, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Jeannie. She was a dear and much loved lady, and one of the kindest and happy souls we have had the pleasure to know. Jeannie and her family are connected with our family deeply with love and respect. As newly weds, Arvita and Harold Bonner began their life together moving to Fairbanks in 1953. Jeannie and her Mother were two of the first to meet our parents in those early days. They became lifelong friends and stayed connected through the years. We will miss her sweet smile, kind words, and the fun times of shared meals at Olive Garden. We love you Jeannie Brand.
Arvita, Karen, Julie, Bill and family.
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