Sr. Florence Brandt

April 17, 1933 - December 19, 2020

Sr. Florence Brandt OSF Age 87, on December 19, 2020. Sister of Frank Brandt, Edward Brandt, Betty Hahn, Rose Brandt and the late Mary Reiber; daughter of Francis and Mary Rose Brandt. Sr. Florence grew up in the Emsworth area and entered the community from Sacred Heart parish in Emsworth, she was a Sister of St. Francis for 70 years. Florence obtained a Bachelor's degree in Education with a minor in Business Education from Duquesne University and a Master's Degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan with special emphasis in Industrial Engineering. Her early years in the congregation were spent teaching; however, she soon moved into health care at St. Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood, where she served for 35 years- Her ministry at the hospital started in the billing department, but soon after she spearheaded efforts to install the first computer system in the hospital and held many administrative positions, finally serving as chief executive officer until the hospital closed in 2002. Florence had a strong commitment to her Franciscan community always eager to share her wisdom and be a part of new adventures for the growth of the community. For eight years Florence served her religious community as Director of Ministry and after leaving health care she served as assistant archivist at Mount Alvernia. Florence's life was a living witness to her Franciscan spirit. She was an advocate for care of the environment and arranged to have a Green Funeral, this choice in death reflects her love of the earth. In 2007 she was honored by the Franciscan Federation for her work with recycling, land advocacy, and community education. Besides her love of nature Florence also advocated for various peace and justice issues. While serving as Director of Ministry for the community Florence was instrumental in establishing ministries for the poor in Texas, New Mexico and Pittsburgh. She loved to read, was a deep thinker and never tired of' learning. She had a deep desire to be the Franciscan woman the church and our planet needs for now and into the future. Visitation at St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford, PA 15090 on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020 from 10:00 AM until the time of Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Professional Services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. In. lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Retirement Fund, 212 Fowler Road Warrendale, PA 15086 www.dalessandroltd.com