Jean Stewart Brandt

May 4, 1926 – January 21, 2026

Jean Brandt passed peacefully with family by her side on January 21, 2026, in Redwood City.

Jean was born May 4, 1926 in Washington, DC to Elmer and Elizabeth Ely Stewart. Graduating from Skidmore College in 1948, she used her child development degree as a nursery school teacher. In 1949, she wed Francis Brandt and they relocated to San Jose in 1956 for Frank’s career with General Electric. For vacations, they explored the country together by car with Jean as navigator, to many national parks and California campsites, as well as visiting extended family from Minnesota to Texas to Connecticut. They sailed on Vasona Lake and San Francisco Bay. They celebrated their 65th anniversary prior to Frank’s death in 2015.

An upbeat and methodical homemaker, Jean tended the family’s flower garden, led songs at the piano, sewed her own wardrobe, and baked yummy desserts with homegrown fruit (from cherry to rhubarb). Dedicated to family, she and Frank attended their grandchildren’s concerts, plays, sports, and events. She volunteered with the League of Women Voters and Girl Scouts, and supported education and the arts. As longtime patrons of Opera San Jose, Jean and Frank enjoyed being on first name basis with Irene Dalis. In her 90’s, Jean relied on classical music radio broadcasts to fill her rooms and puzzles to occupy her hands.

Jean leaves behind her sister Marian Wenzel, her children Emily Sarver (Alan) and Kenneth Brandt (Ellen), grandchildren Ariel, Hannah, Rosa, and Jessie, and two great grandchildren.