A Mercer Island resident of 58 years, Barbara Alice Parke Brand died quietly and in peace at her son’s home on Dec. 4, 2009. In her 96 years, she was the wife of Bill, mother of Bruce and Bonnie, and beloved neighbor of Groveland Park.

Born in El Centro, Calif., just before the outset of World War I, Mrs. Brand grew up in the Chicago area; as with many, she and Bill discovered Seattle while stationed in the Northwest during World War II. She was a longtime Mercer Island school secretary, first at the old Mercer Crest Elementary School, then at what was originally Island Crest Elementary, and finally Lakeridge Elementary.

She provided emotional support for neighbors and relatives, dispensed a quiet wisdom, and supplied the strength and ballast of her immediate family. She taught self-discipline, service to others, love of family, and the belief that one’s mindset determines one’s fate and emotional well-being. She was well-loved and admired by her family and by those near to her.

Mrs. Brand is survived by her sister, Mary Edith; son, Bruce, and daughter-in-law, Marie Cousy; son-in-law, John Cooper; grandchildren, Nicole Brand-Cousy, Zachary Brand-Cousy, Sarah Cooper and Jennifer Richardson (Kendall); and great-grandchildren, Cali Richardson and Porter Richardson.