Aileen Whitney Brand

October 7, 1927 – November 4, 2025

Aileen Whitney Brand, affectionately known as “Gramma,” died in the comfort of her home in San Diego on November 4, 2025, less than a month after celebrating her 98th birthday. She was born on October 7, 1927, to George and Katherine Whitney, and was an only child.

Aileen was married to the love of her life, Stanley William Brand, until his passing in 1984. She spent over sixty years in Orange County before moving to San Diego in 2021 to live with her granddaughter, Charline Brand. During those final four years, Charline had the honor of caring for her, a time that deepened their already special bond.

She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution for more than 70 years, with direct lineage tracing back to the Mayflower. Aileen remained remarkably sharp and quick-witted even in her later years — a quality that never failed to surprise those who met her. She loved bingo, knitting, and rejoining her beloved book club when she settled into her San Diego community.

Aileen is survived by her daughter, Katherine Babayans, and her stepson, Steve Brand; as well as her grandchildren Charline Brand, Robert Brand, Michael and Jackie Brand, Marie and Jeff Griffin, Kevin Vincent, Don and Debbie Vincent, Jenette and Jim Ventress, Denise Martinez (predeceased), Lisa Weingold, Joanna Marconi, Ed and Beverly Martinez, Patrick Babayans, and Kristina Babayans — along with many great-grandchildren, “too many to count,” as she once said with a smile.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, November 25, from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. at Pacific View Cemetery, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, CA.

In lieu of flowers, Gramma would like it if you performed a random yet deliberate act of kindness toward a stranger in her name.