In loving memory of

Marcia K. Brant
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969

Marcia Kathleen (Shank) Brant, 92, was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania on March 3, 1915 to George and Mary Shank. Very soon after, her family moved to Olean, NY. When she was 12, her father was incapacitated in an industrial accident, and Marcia (the eldest of three children) went to work to help support the family. She graduated from high school in three years, with honors. At age 18, she moved to Indianapolis and became an assistant buyer at Wasson?s Department store. In 1940, she married Robert Brant, the boy next door.
As a student, she excelled in math and business and would have made an excellent executive. But social pressures of the day did not encourage such careers for women. Still, she served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Oxygen Company for over 20 years.
Marcia was a great supporter of Riley Hospital, a Trustee for Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, President of the Purdue Sigma Phi Epsilon Mother?s Club, and member and officer of various Garden Clubs and Bridge Clubs. She was a member of Delta Theta Tau Sorority, and was a former treasurer for St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Luke Catholic Churches.
Marcia was the ultimate hostess, whether it was for family holiday gatherings, the annual post-Indy ?500? race, or serving as Den Mother to the Cub Scouts or Brownies. In 1993 during an exhibition tourney between the Indianapolis Men?s Senior Baseball League and the Russian (Tiraspol) National Baseball Team at Bush Stadium, Marcia invited both teams over to her house for a ?good old American hamburger cookout?, serving up nearly 100 pounds of beef to the athletes.
?Grandma Brant? ran a virtual summer camp for her grandkids and their friends who would come over to swim, take scuba lessons, play billiards, listen to the jukebox, raid the refrigerators or race go karts around the driveway. She will always be remembered as the #1 cheerleader.
She is survived by her sister, June Bernas, Olean, NY, two daughters Sandra (Fred) Koss and Ronni (Sanford) Miller, a son Walter (Kathy) Brant, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Friends and family will gather on Sunday, January 20, 2008 in the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel from 4 ? 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 21, 2008 at St. Luke Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you can sign Marcia?s online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke Catholic Church, the Marquette Manor Foundation, or Donor?s favorite charity.

Tributes

Rob Albright wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Wally and family,I know what you're going through, and I can't begin to tell you how sorry my family and I are for your loss. The Brant family is one I always have known as rock solid, and I'm sure Mrs. Brant was a large reason why. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and hope you can find peace in the wonderful memories of times gone by.Love and support always.Rob, Maggie, Ben, Jack, and Daniel"

Sean OShea wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Marcia was an amazing woman and, a great dancer. She will be missed so much. Her spirit is alive today.Sean"

Tina Ward wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Peace to the Brant family. God Bless you all.As I've said before, both your parents were like parents to me. I only had the pleasure of knowing Marcia for a few years. What an impression left. A workhorse, model mother, sweet grandmother, and great-grandmother, "Chef" in her own right, community service leader, a blessing to me and my son.Love, Tina"

Josh Walcott, 5 yr. old T-Ball Player wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I am mad that you're gone. My mom said, "Don't be mad. Marcia is in a much better place. She is with God and Jesus now."Mom also said that you won't have anymore pain in your arms and knees. That's good.I sure will miss you... and those tasty doughnut holes you'd give me everytime I visited. Love, Josh"

Mark and Jan Lawrance wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mrs. Brant was an extraordinary person with an extra dose of personality and class. Before we got to know Wally and his family well, Mr. and Mrs. Brant lived in the neighborhood and were known for all of the positive things they did for others. How many parents would let their adult son leave a pitching cage at their house? We are sorry for your loss, but know that the many warm memories she created will live on. Mark and Jan Lawrance"

Barbara Baumgart wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Sandra and family,We have been out of touch for many years but I have so many wonderful memories of all the good times on Graceland together with your mother & dad during grade school @ St. Thomas Aquinas and then on to high school in your home on Pennsylvania and being in your wedding too. Your parents were very special and caring people that will be missed by so many friends and family!God bless you and and give you the strength to endure this difficult time.Barb"

Jeff Derda wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"It is not possible to adequately express my love and appreciation for Mrs. Brant and for the impact she had on both me and my son Dan. Her kindness to me for almost 40 years has been endless and her friendship has been priceless. She and Mr. Brant had been the source of countless memories, experiences, and smiles for which I will be forever grateful. There is a massive place in my heart occupied by Mr. and Mrs Brant . I thank God for allowing them to be a part of my life and for me to be a part of theirs. While Mrs. Brant will be missed she will live on in the hearts of the many people who love her."

Susan, Tracy, and Kelly Silvey wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Wally, Cathy, and family, I was so sad to hear about Marcia's passing. Every time I go past the house off 82nd and Westfield, I remember all the fond memories with Grandma and Grandpa Brant welcoming the Silvey girls into their home and treating us like family. The great swim parties, baseball, and most of all, Grandpa's famous "root beer floats"!! Mention ice cream, and the SIlvey girls come running!! More importantly, not growing up in Indianapolis, Wally and Cathy were so gracious to welcome the girls and I into their family at times when it meant the most. I will certainly miss Marcia's precious presence and will remember all the wonderful memories.Love, Sue, Tracy and Kelly Silvey"

David Davis wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"When I read about this beautiful lady and all the wonderful things that she did for others it occurred to me that she must be the mother of my college friend, Wally Brandt. I was privileged to serve as the Chaplain for Indiana Alpha in 1971 and 1972 and remember meeting Mrs. Brandt. She was a very nice lady and was very proud of Wally. It is a tribute to Mrs. Brandt that Wally is a great brother and a very exceptional person. Wally, my prayers will be with you and your family. Your mother is where we all want to be; singing in that glorious heavenly choir.God Bless You. David Davis "

Rose SIENER Palmer wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"You are so blessed to have had your mother for so long. My dad died 10 years ago and my mother 15 years ago. I still want to pick up the phone and call them to talk. I think of you often and the other Ladywood classmates. I keep in touch with Silvia Emge via e-mail. Hi to Fred also, we attended school together. See if he remembers that. My prayers are with you all. rose"

Vicky Leonard wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Ronnie and Family,Just a little note to say I will really miss seeing her warm friendly face at the shop when she would stop by with you Ronnie. I feel happy that I did get to see your Mother not too long ago and was able to give her a hug. I also feel happy knowing she had a very full and happy life. I will keep your family in my prayers.Love . Vicky Leonard"

Joy Newton wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER SHE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON FULL OF LIFE AND I THINK SHE HAD A GOOD ONE. I ENJOYED GETTING TO KNOW HER AND BOB. I CLEANED FOR THEM AND THEY WERE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE. SHE WILL BE MISSED. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. GOD BLESS HER SOUL. JOY"

ERIC MONTIETH wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO MARCIA'S FAMILY SHE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON TO WORK FOR AND TO KNOW SHE WILL BE MISSED ,ERIC"

Barbara Wever wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I am a neighbor of Marcia's at Marquette Manor. She was a sweet and gracious lady, always with a smile on her face. Her lovely flowers gave pleasure to all her neighbors. She will be missed by many."

sylvia gray wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I'm sorry for your loss. I feel blessed to have known Marcia. She was a beautiful person."

Amy Collins wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

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Fritz and Sandy Gordner wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"You are in our prayers. Marcia was loved by all of us and we will miss her, too. Yes, she is at peace with our maker where there are no more tears or pains. Thanks for her life - she made a difference in ours."

Natalie Ashanin wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mrs. Brant was a wonderful neighbor and friend and a vibrant part of the Marquette Manor community. She always had a smile for her friends and neighbors here and we will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Glennie, Jo, Marsha, and Michelle Avant wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Wally and family,You are in our hearts and prayers. Your mother and father were a big part in the Avant family. Your mother, father and our father were a team. We know what you are going through. May God be with you at this time."

Nancy, Jim and Andrew wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"How we loved Grandma Brant. She embraced us all as "her kids" and we felt special to be loved by her. Her life and her example of a woman who aged lovingly and gracefully is a gift to us. We will miss her."

Heidi/ CU wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"All of CU is sorry for your loss and you will be in our thoughts and prayers."

Kathy and John Miaskowski wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Wally, our prayers are with your family in this difficult time.God will give you the strength to handle these days. Now is the time to remember all the Love that Mom brought to the family. She is now in a place to watch over all of you at once. "

Richard & Marian Dippolito wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Wally and family,We were saddened to hear of your mother's passing and we wish to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. We know God has a place for her in heaven. Your mother was a lovely lady who will be remember often for her many good deeds of kindness. May God bless your family during this difficult time."

Willard Keen, Keen Compressed Gas wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Our sincere sympathy is sent on the loss of your loved one. "

Edward Martin wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Wally;Although I did not know your mother, I know the man she raised to become her "blessed dividend". In all of us is the mark of our parents, and with that mark we can somewhat judge the person. Your mother must have been a remarkable woman.For my wife Janet and myself, please accept our condolences on your mom's passing.Ed & Janet Martin"

Paul Andrews wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Wally & Family, It is painful to lose a loved one. I pray that the lord brings you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Paul Andrews"