In Memory
Deborah Ann Brandt (Best) was born in McCook, Nebraska November 19th, 1950, to Ellwood and Lillian Best. She married Gary Claire Brandt August 4th, 1973. They made their home and raised their family in Lincoln, Nebraska for the next 48 years. Deb was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and was an active member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church. She was a member of and involved in many church activities, bible studies, prayer groups, crocheting prayer shawls, visiting ministries and altar society. Recently, she said that “if Jesus could suffer so much and give His life for me, I can accept anything in His Name.” After graduating from McCook High School, Deb attended McCook Junior College and then graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1973 with a B.S. degree in education. She initially taught elementary school in Elmwood, Nebraska. She retired in 2016 after being an elementary substitute teacher for over 16 years and a school entrance monitor for the Lincoln Public School system. Deb enjoyed many hobbies and loved being in the outdoors with family and friends bird watching, fishing, traveling and exploring. An avid home gardener, she proudly earned her Master Gardener certification through the Nebraska Extension Program and contributed to the planting and maintenance of numerous local, school and community spaces including the Backyard Farmer Gardens as well as the annual planting of Sunken Gardens in Lincoln. She was an active volunteer for many local groups including serving as an usher at the Lied Center for Performing Arts for over 10 years. Deb used her gifts of crocheting, crafts, writing letters and sending notes to spread joy to countless family members and friends. Receiving and exchanging cards brought her endless delight. Her faith was central in her vocation as wife, mother, grandmother and teacher. She made each family member feel important and loved through her involvement in their lives and tremendously enjoyed spending time with family at outings and gatherings. Deb was preceded in death by her parents Ellwood and Lillian Best (Hoff) and brother Robert Best. She is survived by her husband Gary; children: Nathan, Sarah (Cris) Brown, Paul (Anne), and John; grandchildren: Lauren and Evan Brown, Gianna, Oliver, Joseph, Louisa, and Edmund Brandt; siblings Scott (Joanna) Best and Jill Royse; sister-in-law Helen “Tish” Best; and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Friday, 2-25-2022 9am-4:30pm at Butherus Maser & Love Funeral Home-Lincoln location and 6:45pm-7pm at St. John Catholic Church, 76th & Vine Street followed by a Rosary at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 2-26-2022 at 10:00am at the church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. The Rosary will be Live streamed at 7:00pm at the following link: https://youtu.be/px5HXi2rvQ0 The Mass will be Live streamed at 10:00am at the following link: https://youtu.be/d2cKzLbtedo In lieu of flowers memorials to Catholic Social Services and the Lincoln Food Bank.
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