Mary Alice Brandt

Peacefully, with her family by her side, Mary Alice (Piscitelli) Brandt passed from this world on Monday, August 31, 2026, in Brentwood, California. She leaves behind a lifetime of love and laughter and a family forever changed because she was theirs.

Mary was born on September 21, 1957, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The youngest of five daughters, she moved with her family to California in 1962. She attended school in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and Concord, California, and later graduated from Clayton Valley High School and Heald Business College.

During high school, Mary met the love of her life, Jim Brandt. High school sweethearts, Mary and Jim built a life centered around family. Together, they raised three children, welcomed seven grandchildren, and shared a lifetime of love and memories.

Of all the roles Mary held, none meant more to her than being a mother and grandmother. She was, quite simply, the ultimate mom. Her gift for mothering extended far beyond her own children, and over the years, she became “Mom” to countless friends who entered her home and her life. Mary was an open book, a listening ear, a safe place, and someone you could always count on. Her sense of humor, warmth, and ability to make people feel welcome were uniquely hers.

As her children grew, Mary’s mothering superpower transformed beautifully into being Nana. Her seven grandchildren brought immeasurable joy to her life. No matter the distance, she remained present and connected. Showing up was simply what Mary did, and her grandchildren always knew how deeply they were loved.

Mary loved Giants baseball, reading, and “junking”—especially the hunt for an unexpected treasure. More than anything, she loved being surrounded by her people. Family, friends, conversation, and laughter were where Mary was happiest.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Jim Brandt; her children, Alison (Brandt) Mason of Chico, California, Thomas Brandt and Daniel Brandt of Brentwood, California; her seven grandchildren, Presley, Piper, Brody, Mason, Isabel, Jack, and Aria; and her two sisters, Jamie Fisher and Marty Briseno.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Clara Piscitelli; her brother, Arthur James Piscitelli; and her sisters, Elaine Mann and Janet Headrick.

A graveside service honoring Mary’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Union Cemetery in Brentwood. A reception celebrating her life will follow at McCauley Estate Vineyards in Brentwood.

She was deeply loved. She will be profoundly missed. And she will forever be Mom, Nana, and home.