Mrs. Carla Jean Brandt

Carla Jean Cuslidge Brandt Carla was born August 5th, 1947 to Mel and Barbara Cuslidge. She was the second born of four children. Her siblings are Bonnie Adames (Fred), Melanie Cuslidge and Craig Cuslidge (Miki). She brought great joy to her family and she had many fond memories of her childhood. She loved spending time with her Grandma on summer breaks, learning to water ski on the Delta with her uncles and cousins, and learning to cook and sew by her mother's side. She found great enjoyment in sharing the story of the time she was crowned May Day Queen during her time at Victory School. She loved to tell of the time when she and her brother, sisters and cousins were all asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. Everybody stated things like, "teacher," "doctor," etc. Carla stated, "A wife and mother!" She remembered everyone laughing, but she did not care because she knew that was her true heart's desire. Carla grew into a beautiful young lady, and at the age of eighteen, had caught the eye of David Brandt. David and Carla both attended Stagg High. David would watch Carla walk by his house each day, but he never had the nerve to say hello. David was friends with Carla's cousin, Larry, and Larry agreed to introduce the two. David and Carla's first date was to the movies where they saw "Cinderella." Carla loved to recall stories about the courtship between herself and David. One of her favorite memories was of David's trip with her Dad - a two week trailblazing trip. Carla wrote to David everyday and when David returned home from that trip, he asked for her hand in marriage. David and Carla married on August 16, 1967. Carla worked for a short time between high school and her marriage as a telephone operator. Her dream of becoming a mom was realized when their first daughter, Shaunna Conway-Brandt (Jennifer) was born in 1970. David and Carla had two more children, Michael Brandt (Kim) born in 1972 and Stephanie Dondero (Christopher) in 1974. Carla was an incredible mom and spent countless hours volunteering in her children's classrooms, PTA meetings, running the kids to sporting events, extra curricular activities, helping with homework and most importantly, teaching her children to be respectful, kind and loving people. She was always there for her children, no matter what the need, no matter how little time she had, no matter how tired. Her children could not have asked for a better mom. Later in life, Carla would become a grandma to nine beautiful grandchildren, Jordan, Samantha, Benjamin, Macie, Cate, Mylie, Aaron, Millie and Patrick. Carla's love for her grandchildren filled her heart and she found great pride and happiness in them. Carla and David were married for 47 years. Services are private. A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, January 10th between the hours of 1:00 and 5:00 at 3603 N. Murray Rd Linden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carla's name to the National MS Society at https://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/carlabrandt. Please Sign guestbook at www.deyoungchapels.com