Paula Ann Rogers Brandt

Paula Ann Rogers Brandt, 77, of San Jose, CA, wife of the late Robert C. Brandt of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Paula was born at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, MA, on August 30, 1948, daughter of her beloved parents, the late Harold J. "Bucky Sr." and Lillian (Benedetto) Rogers.

Paula grew up in Lanesville, where her family had a rich history connected to Lanesville and Lanes Cove, and where she had a host of neighborhood friends whom she has remembered fondly all her life. She was a Gloucester High School graduate, class of 1966.

With a passion for beauty and fashion, Paula pursued an Associate's degree from Chamberlain School of Retailing, graduating in 1968. Paula shared that she gained so many important skills working every summer as a waitress at the Oleana Restaurant in downtown Rockport. After graduating from Chamberlain, she transferred her Oleana and educational skills to her work and landed her first job on the floor at Sears Roebuck at the Burlington Mall, driving her green Nash Rambler down Route 128. Who knew that the "tiny pint of peanuts from Lanesville," with a start in the Juniors Section at Sears, would lead to an illustrious retail career that enabled her to do extensive travel throughout Europe and Asia, first as a buyer and later as a retail corporate executive in such roles as Junior Vice President of Macy's, Senior Vice President of Zales Jewelers, Senior Vice President of Accessory Place, and Senior Vice President of Harry and David Food Company, among others. Paula also ran her own business boutiques, Inlet Charley's Surf Shop in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Heartfire in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. When she wasn't working, you would find her and her husband on a golf course or out "shopping the markets" to understand retail trends.

Paula was tiny but mighty. Standing under five feet tall, people knew when she was around, and “heart-fire" was an appropriate word to describe how she moved through the world. Feisty, exuberant, passionate, and fierce in business, she brought that same intensity to the depth of her love for her family and friends. She was abundantly generous, a thoughtful gift-giver, a devoted Unity Church member with a deep and abiding faith in God, and a lover of all animals. She had many pets who lived glorious lives with Paula as their mother, most recently her dear Shih Tzu, Cha Cha, who passed away in May.

Paula was a devoted daughter, sister, stepmother, and aunt who loved and adored her family. She is survived by her two stepchildren, Robert C. Brandt Jr. and his wife Jacqueline of Bethel Park, PA, and Donald Brandt of Florida; her cherished siblings Harold J. "Bucky" Rogers II and wife Linda of Gloucester, and Heather Rogers and wife, Kathy Toon, of Los Altos, California; her beloved nieces and nephews, Tyler Rogers and wife Kimberly of Gloucester, Lindsey Rogers and wife Alyssa of Denver, CO; Goddaughter Abigail Butler and husband Derek of Framingham; Caulin Rogers of Gloucester, Dylan and Alex Toon of Los Altos; and her first grandniece Wren Lily Rogers of Gloucester.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held in Gloucester in summer 2027.