Anne McNeff Brandt

Anne McNeff Brandt Of, Murrysville, formerly of Monroeville, died on August 16, 2016. Her final wish was granted as she passed away peacefully in Redstone Greensburg nursing facility with her three daughters at her side. Anne was born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 30, 1924, the elder child of Elynor (Hendrickson) McNeff and Jack McNeff. In her teens she moved to Hollidaysburg, PA where she attended Altoona Catholic High School and met her future spouse, James Brandt. As a youth she was an excellent student who loved singing and dancing, acting and playing the piano. After graduating from high school Anne obtained an associate’s degree in medical technology from Mt. Aloysius Junior College. During and after WW II she worked in the medical laboratories at Montefiore and Allegheny General hospitals in Pittsburgh. On December 27, 1948 she married James L. Brandt who died in 1978. Anne was a nascent feminist in many ways. After marrying, she was the primary breadwinner while her husband pursued graduate studies. Later, as the church organist at St. Bernadette’s parish in Monroeville, she was the only woman permitted behind the sanctuary. In addition throughout their childhood, she strongly encouraged her three daughters to pursue higher education so that they could support themselves. After her husband’s death she returned to college herself and obtained a bachelor’s degree from Carlow College in theological studies. As a mother Anne instilled in her children a love of the arts and the motivation to pursue excellence. She was a top notch cook and a meticulous housekeeper as well as a shrewd judge of human nature. Anne had a very colorful personality and enjoyed a good joke. Later in life she became an aficionado of catalogue shopping and, in the words of one of her caregivers, had an amazing array of matching outfits complete with jewelry and shoes. Anne is survived by her three daughters, Maryann (Gary) Weinstein, Barbara (John) Lease, Kristen (Patrick McDaniel) Brandt; seven grandchildren, James Lease, Julie (Mike) Erali, Kristen (John) McFadden, Matt (Courtney) Weinstein, Dave (Kate) Weinstein, Brendan Lease, and Joe McDaniel; four great-grandchildren, Jack, Grace and Luke McFadden and Nicky Erali; and her brother, Jerry McNeff, as well as several nieces and great-nieces. Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the GENE H. CORL INC. FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATION SERVICES OF MONROEVILLE, 4335 Northern Pike (412-372-2100). Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Mother of Sorrows Church, Old William Penn Hwy. Murrysville, PA. (Everyone please meet at the church). Additional visitation will be held from 9-9:45 a.m. at the church prior to the mass. Interment following in Good Shepherd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, 212 9th St., Suite 1000, Pittsburgh, PA. 15222-3502. For more information, please visit www.corlfuneralchapel.com.