Mary E. Brand

Mary Elizabeth (Kennedy) Brand, age 87, passed away very peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. She was the daughter of Joe and Cecilia (Burtz) Kennedy, born June 30, 1937. Mary was the wife of Eugene Brand for 68 years.

Rosary will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church, located at 4411 W. Maple St., Wichita, KS 67209, at 10:00 a.m. on April 9, 2025. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mark's Cemetery located at 19230 W. 29th Street N., Saint Marks, KS 67030 at 1:30 p.m.

Mary attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Mount Carmel Academy High School. She married Eugene D. Brand at Christ The King Catholic Church on February 9, 1957.

She had a love of life, playing the piano, organ, singing, and canning. She also enjoyed playing bingo, crafts, and dancing, especially polkas. She enjoyed her 6 children, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Decorating for the holidays, and special occasions for the family gatherings were what made her heart happy. And she also loved crocheting, embroidering, and playing cards.

Mary was a devoted catholic. She was a charter member of Christ The King Parish and Altar Society. She lead the Rosary before mass for many years and made hourly visits to the Blessed Sacrament.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three children, Justin, Christopher, and Kathleen of the home; three brothers, Bill Kennedy of Oklahoma, Tom & Pat Kennedy of Wichita; one sister, Theresa Ziegler; five brother-in-laws, Dennis Brand, Jim Blasi, Joe Groner, Lloyd Youngers, and Levi Ziegler; three sister-in-laws, Rita Brand, Alma Groner, and Dorothy Youngers; and three great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband Gene of 68 years; children, Dan (Debra) of Wichita, Kevin (Melinda) of Maize, Larry (Jodi) of Goddard, Joe (Donna) of Texas, Denise (Bob) Nichols of Derby, and Keith Brand of Arkansas; fifteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and one sister, Margaret Blasi of Goddard.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to the Altar Society at Christ The King Catholic Church, 4411 W. Maple St., Wichita, KS 67209. In the memo of your check please put it is in memory of Mary for the Altar Society.