Mary Masters Brandt

Mary M. Brandt, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on June 1, 1931 in Louisville, KY, where she was adopted by Dr. Lyle & Laura B. Masters and raised in Rochelle, IL. She married the love of her life, Floyd Brandt on July 30, 1982 in Rockford, IL where they had a beautiful life of 43 years. Floyd would refer to Mary as his “angel."

Mary had three daughters; Debbie, Kathy, and Mary Ellen with Wayne Reed of Rochelle and in 1982, gained two more children, Kim and Chet Brandt.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and making a loving home for both her and her beloved husband, Floyd. They would watch Cubs baseball and Hallmark movies every chance they could. She also loved tending to her flowers, feeding the hummingbirds, and creating personalized birthday cards for her family members.

Loved by many friends, both present and past, Mary enjoyed entertaining, making delicious desserts, her incredible party mix, and creating a warm environment for all to enjoy.

She is survived by her husband, Floyd Brandt; sister, Edith (DeDe) Nunn of Burlington, KY; children, Debbie Fay of Belle Fourche, SD, Kathy Hill of Creston, IL, Mary Ellen (Tom) Gomez of Rochelle, IL, Kim (Nancy) Brandt of Machesney Park, IL, and Chet Brandt of Springfield, IL; grandchildren, David (Fadilah) Shrader, Jamie Kenney, Steve (Abby) Hill, Amy (Mathew) Steder, Alexandra (Andy) Xu, Caitlin Brandt, and Christian Brandt; great-grandchildren, Kyle and Lana Shrader, Caden, Colton and Conner Shaw, Landon Weber, Madi, Avaleigh and Kyah Steder; sisters-in-law, Shirley, Diana, and Virginia (brother-in-law, Chester); many nieces, nephews and, Mark Donaldson, who is like a son. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dr. Charles Masters; sister, Ruth Ann Call; and her daughters father, Wayne Reed.

The family would like to thank Serenity Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Mary in her final days.

There will be no visitation or services. A Celebration of Life is being planned by her family for a future date.