Mary M Brandt

March 18, 1933 – June 28, 2024

Mary M Brandt of Colville, Washington passed away on June 28, 2024. She was born on March 18, 1933, in Colville, Washington to David and Mary McMillian. Mary was raised on the family farm just south of Colville, with her sister, parents, and grandfather. From a young age, Mary developed an abiding love for the Colville Valley and its history.

Mary attended grade school at Orin and graduated from Colville High School. Following high school, Mary attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, graduating in 1955. Mary moved to Seattle where she taught part-time and completed her graduate studies at the University of Washington.

Never feeling at home outside Eastern Washington, Mary returned to teach in Colville. Mary was a very dedicated elementary school teacher. Blessed with patience and the ability to help students overcome obstacles, she made it her goal to ensure every student could read when they left her first grade classroom at the end of the year.

While teaching in Colville, Mary met Charles Brandt. Mary and Charles married in 1962 and spent the next 56 years together, raising two sons, teaching, traveling, and farming. During this time, Mary moved to Omak, Washington where Charles taught school and she concentrated on raising her sons, Jim and Paul. Once her sons were in school, Mary returned to teaching for several years before retiring in 1986.

In retirement, Mary and Charles returned to Colville, taking up residence at the family home and operating the farm. During these years, Mary was involved in several local organizations including the Stevens County Historical Society, Athenaeum, Cow Belles, and the Colville Community Church.

Mary spent several years researching the history of the Colville Valley. In 2011, she published, "The Life and Time of the Colin Riley McMillan Family, Pioneer Ranchers of the Colville Valley." The book chronicled her grandfather's journey to Arden in 1884 and the development of the Colville Valley from that point forward.

When Mary wasn't busy with one of her many activities, she enjoyed working in her flower garden and taking long walks with the dogs on the ranch. She always loved to stand on the hillside far above the house, enjoying the beauty of the Colville Valley.

Mary is survived by her sons Jim (Vickie), of Wildwood, Missouri and Paul (Vicki), of Spokane Valley, Washington. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles and sister Sarah.

In honor of her wishes, the family plans a private burial service.