Melissa Ann Brand
October 25, 1977 ~ June 14, 2015
Born in: Franklin, Pennsylvania
Melissa Ann Brand, 37, of Glenshaw, passed away on Sunday, June 14 at 7:12 p.m. at UMPC Shadyside in Pittsburgh.Born October 25, 1977 in Franklin, Melissa was the daughter of Michael D. Phipps, who preceded her in death, and Robin Heller Phipps, who survives. On April 3, 2004, Melissa married Jason Brand, who also survives.Melissa was a 1996 graduate of Rocky Grove High School and a graduate of Grove City College. She worked as a Spanish teacher in Calvert County, Maryland. In her free time, Melissa enjoyed acting and singing. She was quick-witted, sarcastic, and had a knack for pulling off a good practical joke. In addition to her mother and husband, Melissa is also survived by her son, Jacob Brand, of Glenshaw; and her two sisters, Jessica Phipps of Oil City and Kara Willy and her husband, Dan, of Knox. She is additionally survived by her niece, Emma Willy, and nephew, Jeremy Willy; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.Additionally to her father who passed away on August 19, 2010, Melissa was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Gloria Phipps; and her maternal grandparents, William and Cecile Heller.Family and friends will be received at Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Friday, June 19 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m..Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 20 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 1145 Buffalo St, Franklin with Rev. Randall Frenz officiating. Interment will be private. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, PA Division Inc., PO Box 896, Hershey, PA 17033-0896. To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
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I remember cutting you and your sisters hair when you girls were young. Always so well behaved and polite. I’m so sorry you had to go through being so sick, but you have on your Angel wings now, no pain, and so many memories you left for your family.
God bless you Melissa and your family.
Charlene Ekis
So sorry for your loss Robin. May God give you strength through this time of sorrow
Mis, I’m going to miss your encouraging words. Your spirit was like no one else. Always finding the good in people and life. Basketball was so much fun because you were great to be around. I’ll miss your positive energy. God bless my sweet friend.
You’ve earned these wings my beautiful cousin. I love you to the moon and back.
Christy…. XO
I had only known Melissa for a short time but from what I could discern from our time together was that Melissa did everything with heart., her whole heart. She dove in and made a difference. When she found a school that would be appropriate for Jacob she did everything in her power to get him here and then became actively involved in his education. And I know from her stories that she did the same with Jacob’s health and education before they moved here. It was a pleasure to share time with Melissa and Jason while Jacob was in my class. With deepest sympathy, Patty Greeno
Mourning the loss….celebrating the life… of a wonderful person whose time on earth was far too short. Count the memories…not the years. So sorry for your loss.
Jason, Jacob and Robin, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She was a wonderful person and made me laugh every time I talked to her. She will be truly missed.
Robin so sorry my prayers are with you and the whole family . I will always have good memorys from your house with Melissa. She will never be forgoten . She was a special Person and loved by all. R.I.P Melissa .
I remember many fun times with Melissa and Jason at my daughters house, Cindy and Greg. She will be missed. She was so gifted.
Diann Wren. Lemoore, California
Robin, Jessica, Kara, and Jason & Jacob, Our deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of Melissa. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, and we pray the God will give you the comfort and peace that you need to sustain you now, and in the days ahead. Thinking of you. Love, Debbie and Randy Kreider
Prayers to all of her friends and family. I worked with her at Calvert High School.
Robin, Jessica & Kara :
I was so saddened to hear of Melissa’s passing. May the strength of family and friends comfort you in this time of sorrow. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick Baker/Erie
Jason, you may not remember me, yet I remember when you came into Melissa’s life. My heart and prayers go out to you and Jacob, and other family. I remember the first time Melissa visited our church, Saint Nicholas LC. We were still meeting in the school cafetorium. She sat near me and I was blessed to hear that beautiful voice for the first time. Susan A. kept me abreast of the family…relocations, the birth of Jacob and all that accompanied embracing him into your family, and finally the return to PA. Melissa knew her Lord and shared him with all. God bless you. Bonnie Stump
my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Amy Phillips
Robin and family, So sorry for your loss…She reminds me of her Dad and I am sure he is there with her and Grandma Gloria. Remember those days.