Mary Elizabeth Brandstatter

Mary was born on Halloween of 1916. She was one of 4 children of Miles P, and Geraldine Walsh of Bay City, Michigan. While her childhood summers were spent on the spectacular beaches of her beloved Point Lookout cottage near Au Gres, Michigan on the shores of Lake Huron, Mary ‘s life would be uniquely tied to East Lansing, Michigan where she spent most of her life.

After completing her high school education in Bay City, Mary moved on to Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. More importantly, she met the love of her life while at MSU. All-American fullback Art Brandstatter won her heart, and they became fixtures at MSU and in the community of East Lansing.

After marrying in 1936, Mary and Art travelled the country following his career in the Armed Forces. In 1946 they finally settled back in East Lansing. It was Mary’s home the rest of her life except for those treasured summer retreats to Point Lookout.

In her own quiet yet powerful way, Mary shaped East Lansing into a special community. She and Art were founding/charter members of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. In the early days of St Thomas, the parish’s iconic pastor, Monsignor Jerome V. MacEachin, called on the Brandstatter’s when he needed help or advice, and Mary always delivered for Father Mac. Additionally, Mary was an active life-time member of the MSU Alumni Club, The Presidents Club, Faculty Folk, and the Rosary Altar Society of St Thomas.

Mary was that person who couldn’t say ‘no’ to those who needed help. After her young family had grown and moved on to their own careers, she moved toward new challenges of her own. Mary worked as an advisor and counselor in the College of Human Ecology at Michigan State. She valued her time as a substitute teacher in the East Lansing school system and her time as a volunteer for various organizations including the Red Cross.

Mary was preceded in death in 2004 by her husband of 67 years, Arthur Frank Brandstatter Sr. She is survived by her 5 boys whom she lovingly referred to and proudly introduced as her Number 1 son…through Number 5 Son.

Number 1 son, Art Brandstatter Jr. and wife Patricia of East Lansing. Number 2 son, John Brandstatter and wife Susan of McMurray, Pennsylvania. Number 3 son, Robert Brandstatter of Hobe Sound, Florida. Number 4 son, T. Michael Brandstatter of St. Helen, Michigan. Number 5 son, James Brandstatter and wife Roberta of Commerce Township, Michigan.

Mary was preceded in death by her brothers Miles Walsh and Frederick Walsh. She is survived by her loving sister Margaret (Marge) Palmieri and her husband Robert, and by sister in law MaryAnn Walsh.

If there was a part of the family that could take her focus off of her boys, it was her wonderful Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She was awash in joy when surrounded by her 12 Grandchildren, and 27 Great Grandchildren. Mary’s love for those children manifested itself by way of a knitting project. For every new born Grandchild, or Great Grandchild, she would lovingly knit a personalized Christmas stocking to be hung by the fireplace hearth with care awaiting the visit by Santa Claus.

The visitation for Mary Brandstatter will be at St Thomas Aquinas Church, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing, Michigan on Friday January 16th from 6 to 8PM and one hour prior to the service. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:30PM. The service will be held Saturday, January 17th at 10:30 AM with the Reverend Mark Inglot officiating.

The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing.

Those desiring may make contributions to the Arthur F Brandstatter Scholarship Endowment Fund, MSU Criminal Justice Department, #AN0602, C/O Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing MI, 48823

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman East Lansing. On line condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.