Susan Sills Brandao

"I can feel the touch of angel's wings; I see glory on each face. Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place." Susan Sills Brandao, schoolteacher and reading specialist, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2007, at the Butterfly Wing of Hospice of Baton Rouge. She was a native of New Orleansand a longtime resident of Baton Rouge. She received an undergraduate degree in elementary education, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, and a reading specialist certification from LSU. Also, she acquired Californiacertification for teaching dyslexic children through her studies at theUniversityofCaliforniaat San Diego. In her more than 25 years in education, she taught at a number of schools, including Belle Chasse Elementary, Discovery Pre-School in Terrytown, St. Jude Catholic Elementary School and Brighton Academy in Baton Rouge, and The Prentice School in Santa Ana, Calif. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., was on Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. Visiting at St. Jude Catholic Church, 9150 Highland Road, on Thursday from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., concelebrated by the Rev. Trey Nelson and the Rev. David Allen. Entombment in St. George Mausoleum. Among the survivors are her husband, Gregory Brandao of Baton Rouge; two daughters, Erin and Allison Brandao, both of Baton Rouge; mother, Mrs. Mabel Sills of Belle Chasse; sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and James Harrison of Midland, Texas; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas Jr. and Tryna Sills of Mobile, Ala., and Keith and Debbie Sills of Metairie; and a number of loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas A. Sills Sr. Susan's hallmarks were her beautiful smile and lovely voice that matched her delightfully warm disposition. She had a positive influence on hundreds of students, scores of colleagues and many parents through her demonstrated love of children and her passion for teaching them to read. She amazed health care professionals through her selfless, optimistic and courageous approach to her disease, but this was no surprise to anyone who knew her and saw those qualities exhibited on a daily basis throughout her life. As one friend noted, Susan was loved by God in direct proportion to the love she extended to many others. Above all else, Susan was devoted to her daughters, loved her family and was committed to her faith. The family suggests contributions to St. Jude Catholic Elementary School or to The Prentice School, 18341 Lassen Drive, Santa Ana, CA92705-2012.