SHIRLEY MARIE McMILLAN BRANDT

Shirley Marie McMillan Brandt, 91, of Alpena, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Born on March 16, 1934, in Alpena, to Neil and Dorthy McMillan, Shirley spent her life rooted in family, faith, and service. On Feb. 27, 1954, she married the love of her life, Patrick Brandt, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. Patrick preceded her in death on July 16, 2020.

A dedicated nurse for 35 years, Shirley cared for countless patients at Alpena Hospital and in a private doctor’s office, touching lives with her compassion and kindness. Her warm spirit also shone brightly through her active membership at First United Methodist Church, where she found joy, fellowship, and purpose.

Beyond her career and community, Shirley loved the simple pleasures of life. She found creativity in ceramics, shared laughter on the golf course, and cherished every moment spent with family and friends.

Shirley’s legacy lives on in her children: Al (Kathy) Brandt, David Brandt and Karen (Ron) Fournier; her beloved grandchildren: Stephanie (Tim) Onstwedder, Chelsea Fournier, Henry Fournier, Ashley Brandt, and Jason Brandt; and her great-grandchildren: Brayson, Keegan, Adalynn Mae, and Everly. She is also survived by her brother Jim (Anne) McMillan and brother-in-law Glen Herron.

She is reunited in heaven with her husband Patrick Brandt, her son Steven Brandt, her parents, Neil and Dorthy McMillan; son-in-law, Henry Mudrack; her sisters Ruth Tobias, Karen Herron, and Kate Filipiak, and her brother, William McMillan.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation to honor Shirley’s beautiful life on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at First United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon with the Rev. Robert Nystrom officiating with a private burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements by the Bannan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Options Pregnancy.

Shirley’s life was a testament to kindness, family, and faith — and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.