Alma F. Brands

Alma F. Brands, 97, a longtime resident of East Stroudsburg, passed away on Saturday evening, October 11, 2025 at Brookmont Healthcare Center in Effort where she was a resident since 2023. She was the widow of James T. Brands who died October 23, 1966. Born on August 30, 1928 in Stroudsburg, she was a daughter of the late Frank Foote and Elizabeth (Blake) Myrick and was a a lifetime resident of Monroe County. Alma was the Chief Deputy Register of Wills in Monroe County for 28 years until retiring in 1991. Her long-time community involvement included volunteering at Pocono Medical Center for 15 years, volunteering for the Crisis Pregnancy Center, serving as former secretary and board member of the Transplant Support Group, singing with the Golden Chords, and being part of the Fifty Plus alumni group of East Stroudsburg High School. She also worked the Monroe County election polls for the 2nd Ward of East Stroudsburg and was very proud of never missing voting in an election. She was a member of the East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church. Surviving are her son, Darren A. Brands of Bartonsville; three step children, Sharon Taylor of Stroudsburg, Mark Monahan of Greentown and Peter Monahan of Marshalls Creek; a son in law, Joseph Mikelski; four grandchildren, Alan Brands, Elizabeth Wendoloski and her husband Adam, Jennifer Mikelski and Joseph Mikelski; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Hudson and Theodore; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Mikelski; and six siblings June F. Possinger, Robert B. Foote, Ann Forte, James S. Foote, Frank E. Foote, Jr. and Barbara DeBiase. Alma's life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Tuesday, October 28th, at 11:00am at the East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church with Rev. Samuel Kofi Ashley officiating. Private burial will take place at Laurelwood Cemetery. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the William H. Clark Funeral Home in Stroudsburg.