Marie Ann Brandon

Marie Ann Brandon, 76, departed peacefully to her eternal home in heaven on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, surrounded by her husband and daughters at her home in Melbourne, FL. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Colonel William W. Brandon II; three daughters Ann Symm (Jeffrey) of Apex, NC; Sharon Corradino (Ron) of Centreville, VA; Kathy Coakley (David) of Chantilly, VA; Ann Henning her sister of Plano, TX; 9 grandchildren, Jessica, Jason, Jared, Catherine, Christopher, Brian, Kevin, Dustin, Colin; one great-grandchild Corbin. She dedicated most of her life bringing up her four children and volunteering while supporting her husband, Bill, on his many deployments in the Air Force. At home, she cared for her son, and oldest child William (10/31/1958 - 6/5/1997), after a car accident in 1973. Diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer (esthesioneuroblastoma) in 1990, Marie battled complications of the illness for over 20 years. She was very courageous, never complained, and had an unending, contagious spirit of optimism and cheerfulness. Despite her illness she enjoyed life, and laughter was a main ingredient in her presence. She will be greatly missed. Her life will be celebrated with Mass on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Melbourne FL at 10:00 am with a reception at the At Ease Club at the Indian River Colony Club from 11:30 - 1:30. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Health First Hospice (1900 Dairy Road, Melbourne, FL 32904) or your preferred charity.