Marian M. Brand

“Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets her wings.” Those bells rang loud and clear on Friday, December 12, when our beautiful mother gained her wings, having almost completed her 93rd year of life. The family of Marian M. Brand has lost their loving matriarch, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, laughter, and treasured memories that will endure forever.

Marian was born in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Anna (Moriarty) and Frank Hoyt. She attended Catholic school in her youth and, guided by a deep spiritual calling, entered the convent intending to become a nun. In a turn of events that shaped her life’s greatest joy, she later left the convent and met the love of her life. Her life journey took her from Brooklyn to Long Island; Burdett, New York; Watsontown, Pennsylvania; and ultimately to Newfield, New York, where she spent her later years surrounded by family and love.

During her childhood, Marian spent many summers at her Aunt Nellie’s country home in East Chatham, New York. Nellie was known for opening her heart and home to all—family and animals—who needed love and care. Those summers quietly shaped her - steeped in nature, gentle reflection, and a lasting sense of belonging that she carried throughout her life.

Marian was the beloved wife of the late Joseph G. Brand for 51 years. Together, they raised nine children who will forever hold her close in their hearts: Marian Hovencamp (Ovid, NY), Edward (Tina) Brand (Elmira, NY), Joanne Brand (Fort Myers, FL), Patricia (James) Meenen (Newfield, NY), Joseph (Karen) Brand (Ithaca, NY), Kathy Hunger (Norfolk, VA), Michael (Amy) Brand (Newfield, NY), Audrey Brand (Ithaca, NY), and Margaret (Timothy) Munroe (Hector, NY). She was a proud and loving grandmother of 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy. She held dear many memories shared with her niece and nephews: Robin Nagy (AL), William Broderick (NY), and Robert (Margie) Broderick (AL).

Marian lived a rich, vibrant, and meaningful life, with accomplishments too numerous to list. What follows are a few pursuits closest to her heart. She loved her Irish heritage. In her youth, she was a member of the New York Gaelic Society, studying the Gaelic language and Irish dancing. Later, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Ireland twice, touring the country, and deepening her study of Celtic spirituality—a passion that illuminated her life.

While raising her family, and with Joe’s encouragement, Marian returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She earned her Registered Nurse (RN) degree in 1972—the same year her oldest child graduated from high school—and later became a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care).

Marian worked for several health and community organizations throughout her career, serving with compassion and dedication. She taught classes at local senior centers in Pennsylvania and through Lifelong Learning in Ithaca, New York. A lifelong learner, she never stopped seeking knowledge. Even when she could no longer attend classes in person, she continued learning online and found enjoyment in “traveling” virtually.

Marian loved the ocean, and with Joe, frequently visited Virginia Beach, though Chincoteague Island held a special place in their hearts. After Joe’s passing, she spent a few peaceful weeks at a cottage on Howe Island in Canada, surrounded by water, listening to loons, journaling, and embracing the quiet, gentle beauty of nature.

Travel remained one of her great pleasures. She joined her children and grandchildren on countless trips. Highlights included a mission trip to Mexico with her twin granddaughters, her first visit to California’s West Coast, oceanfront vacations in Florida and Virginia, and many journeys back to New York City, including a meaningful trip with one daughter, son and his wife revisiting the neighborhoods of her childhood and early married years. She returned to Pennsylvania many times to visit dear friends. In later years, she took great pleasure in flying with another son and his wife in their small plane along the East Coast—from Maine to Florida.

Marian deeply loved the Finger Lakes, finding contentment by the water, admiring sunsets and taking pleasure in the natural beauty surrounding her home—from songbirds and turkeys to the deer that wandered her yard. She enjoyed visiting local restaurants and wineries. A personal favorite was Suzanne Fine Regional Cuisine, where she delighted in treating family and friends, creating moments that reflected the love she held for those around her.

An avid reader, Marian built an extensive personal library filled with both fiction and spiritual works. Inspired by her mentor Thomas Merton, she explored other faith traditions, including Buddhism and Sufism, alongside her enduring love for Celtic and evolutionary spirituality. 

Writing was central to her life; for nearly fifty years, she kept spiritual journals, and in recent years discovered a passion for haiku, which she lovingly described as “a spiritual practice in three lines.” She leaves behind a collection of her haiku writings.

Marian passed peacefully at home. Her family is deeply grateful for the devoted aides and loving family members whose care made this possible, and she was sincerely thankful for the kindness and compassion she received.

Marian maintained a strong and vibrant spiritual faith throughout her life. We imagine her now holding hands with Joe, sipping wine, dancing, watching sunsets, and laughing with that familiar sparkle in her eyes. She lived fully and gratefully, finding wonder and beauty even in the most ordinary moments. We are profoundly grateful for the love, laughter, wisdom, and countless memories she shared with us over so many wonderful years.

In keeping with Marian’s spirit, a celebration of life honoring her will be planned for a later date, likely in the spring, when family and friends can gather to remember her. Until we meet again, Mom—we love you.

In honor of Marian’s love of learning, contributions in her memory may be made to LIFELONG, 119 West Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 or https://tclifelong.org/donate/