Obituary of
Brandt, Phyllis Ann (Bryce)
Phyllis Ann (Bryce) Brandt of Dallas, Texas passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the age of 90.
Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God. Married almost 69 years to the love of her life, Charles Joseph Brandt, Phyllis Brandt lived a life full of joy. She loved, she laughed, and she touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Phyllis was the youngest of nine children born to Charles Moody and Irene Elizabeth Bryce. She thoroughly enjoyed her childhood in her large, loving and raucous family. Her life changed dramatically at the beginning of World War II when her father died suddenly and her older brothers left to fight in the war. She always said that she thought her father’s fatal heart attack was caused by the heartache he felt knowing that his sons were going off to war. Her resourceful mother Irene Bryce, a widow left to raise a large family alone with no income, turned their home into a boarding house. Soon after losing her beloved father and seeing her older brothers go off to war, she experienced the pain of separation again when her twin brother, Philip, left home to enter the seminary. These early losses in her teen years made her appreciate the value of family and the joy of being together.
After the war, her life changed for the better on a blind date with a handsome young man who had just come home after serving his country. Charley’s cousin, Steve Brandt and Phyllis’ classmate, Julie Hastings, arranged the date. The two couples attended the First Saturday devotion at St. Francis and, afterwards, went out to eat at the Pig Stand. Their love was heaven-sent. One of the things that impressed her about this young man was how kind and gentle he was to everyone.
Their love was fruitful. Ten lucky children were born to this couple. Phyllis and Charley were open to life and they lived it fully. Their life wasn’t always easy, but it was always joyful. Their home was filled with love, faith, and laughter, and Phyllis was the heart of that home. Phyllis was a faithful Catholic. She preached the gospel of love with her life.
In addition to being a wife and mother, she was also Charley’s business partner and travel companion. They had the opportunity to travel to London, New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Venice, Hawaii, and Germany. Their trip to Germany was much more luxurious than Charley’s first journey when he followed Patton’s tanks.
Her struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and Charley’s unwavering devotion provided us with a beautiful example of faithful marital love. We will continue to draw on their example of finding joy in suffering.
She is now reunited with her parents, seven siblings, and her daughter, Patty Fernandez.
She is survived by her beloved spouse, Charley; and their children, Beth and Kirk Barron, Rick Fernandez, C J and Martha Brandt, Jeannie and Atalay Yargicoglu, Tom and Mary Brandt, Elaine and Chris Teves, Beverly and John Grimley, Ed and Gloria Brandt, Rita and Scott Ford, and Laura and Cyle Nelson.
She is also survived by her beloved sister, Rita Burns.
Phyllis is survived also by thirty-two grandchildren and seven (soon to be eight) great-grandchildren.
Grand Children: Jennifer Allen-Barron (Bonnie), Katie Barron (Michael Williams) and Greg Barron (Michelle), Tony Fernandez (Maureen), Diana Taylor (Jake), Andy Fernandez and Michael Fernandez; Emily Brandt and Joshua Brandt, Ben Yargicoglu, Kenan Yargicoglu and Erin Yargicoglu (Aleks Babic), Nicholas Brandt, Christopher Brandt, Catherine Brandt, Anthony Brandt, Elizabeth Brandt and Stephen Brandt, JW Gooch and Joseph Gooch (Alyssa), Patrick Grimley and Alyssa Grimley, Matthew Brandt, David Brandt and Jessica Brandt, Sam Ford, Jack Ford, Max Ford and Grace Ford, Margaret Nelson, Cal Nelson and Charlie Nelson.
Great-Grand Children: Lorelei Marie Williams and baby sister due in August (Katie and Michael), John Gregory Barron (Greg and Michelle), Leo Anthony Fernandez, Elena Patricia Fernandez and Ramona Claire Fernandez (Tony and Maureen), Peter Finn Taylor and Robin Juliet Taylor (Diana and Jake).
There will be a visitation will be on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 from 5:00 to 8:30 (Rosary at 7:00 pm) in the Brooks Family Chapel of the North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234.
The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 11:00 am at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 2800 Valwood Parkway, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234.
A procession will follow the mass to Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, Texas 75220 where Phyllis will be laid to rest.
Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.
Tribute Wall of Brandt, Phyllis Ann (Bryce)
With our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dearly loved Wife & Mother.
The Family of Ralph & Mary Beth Cerra
Thursday October 13, 2022
With our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dearly loved Wife & Mother.
I am grateful for all the loving memories of Phyllis and Charley. What great times we had! I will not forget! All my prayers for your family.
JoAnn Edmiston Murray
Thursday October 13, 2022
I am grateful for all the loving memories of Phyllis and Charley. What great times we had! I will not forget! All my prayers for your family.
What a wonder-FULL woman. Praying for you all at this difficult time.
Rick & Erika
Thursday October 13, 2022
What a wonder-FULL woman. Praying for you all at this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy to the Brandt family. Phyllis was a great lady, one of a kind. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you. Mary Campbell & family
Mary Campbell
Thursday October 13, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to the Brandt family. Phyllis was a great lady, one of a kind. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you. Mary Campbell & family
My, what a warm welcome Phyllis surely received when she went to be with Our Father! I met Phyllis as the girlfriend of Tom’s friend John. You would have thought I was a long lost relative! Her love, warmth and welcome every time I saw her – from when I first met her to that last Christmas Eve pageant – was an incredible witness to the open, generous and merciful love of God. Love you, Phyllis. See you on the other side. To Charley and those 10 lucky ones – I pray for your consolation.
Yolande Sheridan Millhorn
Thursday October 13, 2022
My, what a warm welcome Phyllis surely received when she went to be with Our Father! I met Phyllis as the girlfriend of Tom's friend John. You would have thought I was a long lost relative! Her love, warmth and welcome every time I saw her - from when I first met her to that last Christmas Eve pageant - was an incredible witness to the open, generous and merciful love of God. Love you, Phyllis. See you on the other side. To Charley and those 10 lucky ones - I pray for your consolation.
My heart is with you all. Ms. B was a loving mom to me too. (She even let Jeannie & me cook chocolate chip pizza in her oven!) Mr. B, thank you for showing us all what true love is. I’m sending all my love.
Cath Polito
Thursday October 13, 2022
My heart is with you all. Ms. B was a loving mom to me too. (She even let Jeannie & me cook chocolate chip pizza in her oven!) Mr. B, thank you for showing us all what true love is. I’m sending all my love.
You have lived with a saint, we all got to know her and love her…..God is the lucky one now… our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your family is a testament to Phyllis and Charlie’s love and faith!
Mary Louise Edmiston White
Thursday October 13, 2022
You have lived with a saint, we all got to know her and love her.....God is the lucky one now... our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your family is a testament to Phyllis and Charlie's love and faith!
God bless you Aunt Phyllis! I feel terrible that it’s been so many years since I’ve seen you. I look forward to seeing you again in your Heavenly Kingdom!
Charles "Bubba" Bryce
Thursday October 13, 2022
God bless you Aunt Phyllis! I feel terrible that it's been so many years since I've seen you. I look forward to seeing you again in your Heavenly Kingdom!
I know Mrs. Brandt must have been an incredible woman… her son, Tom, couldn’t have become the wonderful man I know him to be without her love and guidance. My prayers and love to the entire Brandt family as you deal with your loss.
Kim Piering
Thursday October 13, 2022
I know Mrs. Brandt must have been an incredible woman... her son, Tom, couldn't have become the wonderful man I know him to be without her love and guidance. My prayers and love to the entire Brandt family as you deal with your loss.
Phyllis had a kind word and a warm smile for everyone she met. She is a true exemplar of the faith; supportive wife, loving mother and grandmother. My prayers for the wonderful Brandt family.
Teresa Rossini Stadelman
Thursday October 13, 2022
Phyllis had a kind word and a warm smile for everyone she met. She is a true exemplar of the faith; supportive wife, loving mother and grandmother. My prayers for the wonderful Brandt family.
I was lucky to have cheery,fun loving Phyllis in my life since 1959. Charley’s love and care for her inspired us all..my thoughts and prayers go out to this wonderful family.
(Sherlie) Dianne Simmons
Thursday October 13, 2022
I was lucky to have cheery,fun loving Phyllis in my life since 1959. Charley's love and care for her inspired us all..my thoughts and prayers go out to this wonderful family.
I have been a big admirer of Phylis so so many years from days of scouts and at Mary Immaculate School and church. I will always be greatful that she made the hosts for Jerry’s and my wedding. Such a beautiful person
Mike Murawski
Thursday October 13, 2022
I have been a big admirer of Phylis so so many years from days of scouts and at Mary Immaculate School and church. I will always be greatful that she made the hosts for Jerry's and my wedding. Such a beautiful person
I passed by the house on Sunday and saw all the cars. I worried that something had happened to Mrs. Brandt but said a prayer that all of you were gathered for the holiday. Phyllis was my mom’s first friend in Dallas and she was loved by our entire family. We have missed her over the last years. I will always remember her as the kindest, gentlest woman I’ve ever known with a generous spirit and a beautiful laugh. She will be in my prayers always.
Susan
Susan Fournier Grimmer
Thursday October 13, 2022
I passed by the house on Sunday and saw all the cars. I worried that something had happened to Mrs. Brandt but said a prayer that all of you were gathered for the holiday. Phyllis was my mom's first friend in Dallas and she was loved by our entire family. We have missed her over the last years. I will always remember her as the kindest, gentlest woman I've ever known with a generous spirit and a beautiful laugh. She will be in my prayers always.
Susan
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Susie and Jay Nelson
Susie Nelson
Thursday October 13, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Susie and Jay Nelson