Sandra Jean Brannan, age 86, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of love, family, friendship, and cherished memories. She was born on April 11, 1940, to the late Ervin and Florence (Bormann) Brandl.

On August 5, 1961, Sandra married the love of her life, James Brannan. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around their family and their home. James preceded her in death on September 25, 2012.

Sandra was a kind, gentle, and independent woman who was devoted to her family. She found great joy in caring for her home and the people she loved. A homemaker by choice and with great pride, Sandra filled her family’s lives with the warmth of homemade meals, freshly baked treats, handmade quilts, and clothing she lovingly made for her children. She collected cookbooks and enjoyed trying new recipes, always happy to share something delicious with those around her.

Sandra also loved tending to her flowers and making homemade jam to share with family and friends. She and Jim spent many years caring for the sheep on their farm, and their home and farm were places filled with hard work, love, and memories.

After Jim retired, Sandra and Jim embarked on a new adventure together, opening and operating their own real estate business in Merrill for approximately 10 years. Both became licensed real estate agents, and Sandra took great pride in the business they built together.

Sandra loved to read and treasured the friendships she made throughout her life. Following Jim’s passing, she especially enjoyed spending time with her friends. For the past 15 years, she looked forward to getting together with them to play cards and attend their weekly breakfasts. These friendships brought her companionship, laughter, and many happy memories.

Sandra’s greatest legacy will be the love she gave so freely to her family. She will be deeply missed by her children, Jim (Sandy), Dan (Stacey), and Jane; her grandchildren, Bobby, Valerie, Bruce, Sam, Kyle (Jamie), Kevin, Kayla, Colton, Joe (Holly), Jack, and Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Andi and Ben; great-great granddaughter, Millie; her siblings, Barb, Al (Lenore), and Larry; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Sandra was preceded in death by her daughter, Joan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1708 E. 10th Street, Merrill, Wisconsin. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in the Village of Maine.

Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family.

Words of remembrance may be shared at MWCS.WS.