Susan Eleanor Brandt, 84, of McCandless Township, passed away on February 13, 2025. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA, to Marjorie and J. Warren Matson on August 14, 1940.

Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Bennett Brandt. She is survived by her children: Karen Bolden (Phil), Laura Brandt (Frank Mazzotti), Kristin Love (David), and Dean Brandt; and her grandchildren: Daniel, Sarah, and Rachel Bolden; and Jonathan, Rebecca, and Patrick Love.

Susan and Gerald shared a remarkable 62-year journey, deeply immersing themselves in Pittsburgh's rich cultural tapestry. Their passion for the arts was evident in their unwavering support for the Pittsburgh Symphony, Pittsburgh Opera, and Pittsburgh Public Theater. This love for cultural enrichment and historic preservation was a legacy they proudly instilled in their children.

Inspired by her mother, a pioneering civil rights attorney, and her father, a social worker for the City of Pittsburgh Housing Authority, Susan dedicated her life to service and advocacy. She was a passionate advocate for neighborhood-based development. Whether it was advocating for her children's education, championing the Woodland Hills school merger, opposing unwelcome developments on Mount Washington or standing firmly against environmental injustices like acid rain and air pollution, Susan took action.

Susan was known for her relentless pursuit and successful completion of projects considered by others to be unachievable. As President of the local League of Women Voters chapter, Susan's commitment to civic engagement was unwavering. She involved her children in this early on, putting them to work stapling newsletters at a young age. She served as Restoration Director for both the Braddock Carnegie Library and Calvary United Methodist Church, where she not only revived these historic landmarks but also worked to improve the surrounding communities. As Executive Director of the Mt. Washington Community Development Corporation, she forged key partnerships, raised essential funds, and executed projects that improved senior services, housing, and local infrastructure, while also bringing Emerald View Park to life.

For many years, Susan's passion for preserving architectural heritage led her to serve on the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation Board and to be named Director Emeritus for Preservation Pittsburgh, an organization she was instrumental in shaping. She played a key role in bringing the Sacred Spaces tour to life in Wilkinsburg, celebrating the area's historic churches and their unique architectural beauty. This tour helps to foster connections among residents and highlights the potential of Wilkinsburg's historic landmarks. In 2020, Susan was awarded the Mary J. Paradise Preservation Award in recognition of her leadership and lasting impact on preservation efforts in the region.

Susan was cherished by her family and held in high esteem by the broader community. Her distinctive fashion sense and unique style were admired throughout her life. Together with Gerald, she nurtured their children to be compassionate and community-minded, embodying the values she held dear. Susan's strength, love, and resilience made her an extraordinary role model, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 971 Beech Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. The celebration will begin at 2 p.m. and will include time for networking before the final board meeting at 3 p.m..

In honor of Susan's love of art and color, attendees are asked to wear their most artistic or colorful clothes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Preservation Pittsburgh.