Sara Smith Brandt

Born in Bethlehem, PA, Sara graduated from Liberty High School, where she was an active participant in the Glee Club and Choraliers. After high school, she worked in the fashion department at Hess Brothers Department Store, where she was known for her creativity in decorating large window displays. A lifelong music lover, Sara was deeply involved at Christ UCC Church, where she played piano in her father’s Sunday School class and sang in the church choir. Her passion for music led her to pursue a major in music at both Lakeland College and Susquehanna University.

However, it was at Liberty High that Sara met her future husband, Lee Brandt. After a serious accident while Lee was attending college, Sara selflessly put aside her own college and music career to marry him and provide the mental and physical support he needed to complete his education at the University of Michigan. Following Lee's graduation, the couple relocated to Marietta, GA, where they became active members of First Presbyterian Church.

Sara enjoyed a fulfilling life as a stay-at-home-mom and was deeply involved in her children's activities. She was passionate about playing and teaching piano, gourmet cooking, and traveling. Though living in Georgia, Sara remained an unwavering fan of the New York Yankees and Michigan football. She also loved preparing special meals for her family and amassed a treasured collection of handwritten recipes to pass on to her children. Over the years, she and Lee traveled to most states, with her favorite trips being to Alaska and The Holy Lands. Her strong will, along with her deep religious faith, carried her through years of kidney dialysis treatments. At age 76, she received a kidney transplant, for which she was profoundly thankful for a second chance at life.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Pauline Smith, of Bethlehem, PA and brother, Palmer Smith of New Holstein, WI. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Lee Brandt; her son, L. Brian Brandt Jr. of Woodstock, GA; her daughter, Tiffany Brandt McKinnon and son-in-law M. Lauchlin McKinnon III of Marietta, GA; four grandchildren, Hannah and Abigail Brandt, and Brandt and Ansley McKinnon; and many nieces and nephews in Wisconsin and Texas.

In accordance with Sara’s wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.