Kathleen "Katie" Ann Brand Oct. 31, 1922 - June 7, 2009 Kathleen "Katie" Brand passed away on June 7, 2009 at American River Care Center in Sacramento, California. Katie Brand (nee Kane) was born in Winsor, Nebraska and was the eldest of 5 children. She spent most of her youth in Wisner, Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1949 with a Teaching Degree. She married Arthur Brand in 1945 and they remained married for over 50 years until his death in 1996. After moving to San Jose California in 1962, she began teaching at St. Josephs of Cupertino School in Cupertino, California, where she taught for 18 years. For several years after retiring in 1981 Katie continued to educate youth as a substitute teacher. In 1986 Katie and her husband began traveling the country in their RV trailer before settling in Sonora, California, in 1990. Katie fought a long battle with Alzheimer's before succumbing to the effects of the disease. Katie loved teaching, travelling, and playing cards. She is fondly remembered for her dedication to her husband, children and grandchildren, as well as her sense of humor and unique culinary abilities. Katie is survived by her three children, Timothy Brand, Colleen Giusiana, and Robert Brand; her two grandchildren, Ann Giusiana-Ragle and Colin Brand; and her great grandchild, Avery Ragle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Brand, and four siblings; Margaret Kane, James Kane, Maryellen Beacham and Genevieve Myers. A memorial service will be held on June 16, 11AM at St. Josephs of Cupertino. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Sierra View Funeral Home of Sacramento is handling arrangements.

Published in San Jose Mercury News on June 14, 2009.