Susan Braun Brandt, aged 81, after a lengthy struggle, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She passed away peacefully on Friday, May 20, 2022 at St. Boniface Hospital. Susan was born in Yarrow, BC, on October 14, 1940.
Her schooling included MEI, MBBI, Tabor College and M. B. Seminary. After five years at Bethany College, Hepburn, SK, the family moved to Winnipeg. Susan ended her working career as editor of the M.B. Herald. Susan was a strong, determined woman, a quiet trailblazer, working toward the greater good, especially when it came to equal status for women in the workplace.
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Susan Braun Brandt, aged 81, after a lengthy struggle with low energy, was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After a hard fall due to rapid onset of symptoms, she was admitted to the St. Boniface General Hospital where she passed away peacefully a week later, on Friday, May 20, 2022.
Susan was born in Yarrow, BC, on October 14, 1940. She thoroughly enjoyed her childhood and adolescence. She loved to read and soon discovered the benefits of a library, something that would be important throughout her life. School was also a joy, both the classes and the friends she made. After graduating from Sharon Mennonite High School she went to the Mennonite Educational Institute, Abbotsford, for her grade 13. Susan then attended MBBI (now Columbia Bible College) for two years. Here she met Gilbert, her future husband.
Both she and Gilbert attended Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS. They were engaged at Christmas of their junior year and married the following summer (August 1962). They graduated from Tabor in 1963.
As a couple, they lived in numerous places, often because of work possibilities. After Gilbert graduated from the M.B. Seminary in Fresno in the mid 1970s, they moved to Hepburn, SK, with their three children. Susan was school secretary and missions instructor. She was always busy with their children’s activities and interacting with the Bible Institute students. Because of her administrative gifts, Susan was encouraged to run for town council. She won and enjoyed that outlet very much.
After the family moved to Winnipeg (1982), Susan became the secretary to the M.B. Conference minister and assistant for the M.B. Herald. Her responsibilities and authority steadily increased, and her last working years were spent as the managing editor of the Herald, a job she thoroughly relished. The family joined River East Church soon after moving to Winnipeg. At River East, Susan participated in numerous committees, including CareLinks and Christian education.
After retirement, Susan focused much more on her grandchildren. Each one brought such joy to her. Susan also looked forward to travels throughout the world—China, Turkey, Greece, and Scandinavian countries—and local sites around Manitoba. Of course, the travels generally included a trip to the Fraser Valley to visit family.
Susan will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Gilbert, their children, Daryl (Sharon Lewis), SuAnn (Terry) Goertzen, Jon (Stephanie Hanna); and also by her grandchildren, Michal Goertzen, Brodie Goertzen (Maya Diaz-Hammond), Neko Goertzen, Ezra Unger Brandt, Ani Unger Brandt, and Tenzing Goertzen.
She was predeceased by her parents, Johann and Susanna Braun, and by her siblings, Harvey and Helen Braun, Jim and Elsie Brown, Ben and Lila Braun, Martha and Neil Peters, Mary Stobbe, Dave Braun, and Fred and Anne Braun. Susan is survived by one sister-in-law, Mary (Dave) Braun.
Susan was a strong, determined woman, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a quiet trailblazer, always working toward the greater good, especially when it came to equal status for women in the workplace. For this we thank her and recognize her gifts to all of us.
The family expresses great appreciation for the helpful, caring staff at St. Boniface General Hospital, Ward E5, who went out of their way to make Susan comfortable and accessible to us.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 26th, 2022 11:00 am, River East Church, 755 McLeod Avenue Winnipeg.
