Sara Helen Brand

June 2, 1925 - October 2, 2016

Mattoon, IL – Sara Helen Brand, age 91, of Mattoon, IL, passed away at 6:15 a.m., Sunday, October 2, 2016, at the Odd-Fellow Rebekah Home. The funeral mass in her honor will begin at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2016 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 320 N 21st St., Mattoon, IL 61938. Father John Titus will officiate. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Born June 2, 1925, in Cumberland County, IL, Sara was the daughter of Fred and Violet (Scott) Fellows. She married William Wilbert Brand on November 27, 1947, at St. Mary's Rectory in Neoga IL. He passed away in 2008. Survivors include their five children: Mary Sheehan and husband Jerry of Mattoon, IL, Ruth Cyr of Champaign, IL, Bill Brand and wife Mary Ann of Mattoon, IL, Joan Hoenes and husband Brian of Mattoon, IL, and Michael Brand and wife Donica of Mattoon, IL; twelve grandchildren: Kristen Watson and husband John of Mattoon, IL, Jennifer Wells and husband Craig of St. Joseph, IL, Rachel Cyr of Eagle, ID, Eric Cyr and wife Kristy of Republic, MO, Clint Hoenes and wife Casey of Gays, IL, Nora Porter and husband Stan of Neoga, IL, Sara Wall and husband Justin of Neoga, IL, Lana Nichols and husband Marcus of New Plymouth, ID, and Kara, Michael, Genna, and Marlee Brand, all of Mattoon, IL; fifteen great-grandchildren: Luke, Emily and Jacob Watson; Corbin, Madeline and Benjamin Wells; Makenna and Justin Cyr; Carlee and Clayton Hoenes; Fisher and Olivia Porter; Eli Wall; and Charleigh and Tucker Nichols; and two nephews and five nieces, including a very special niece, Hazel McGuire of Hopkinsville, KY. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; two sisters; and one daughter, Martha Roderick. Sara was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Mattoon, IL. Until retirement in the mid 80’s, she had been employed with Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and previously Mattoon Memorial Hospital, as a housekeeper. Faith, family, and friends were the main focuses of Sara’s life. She was a devout Catholic, always grateful for God’s blessings in her life. Her family was her greatest blessing and the center of her world. Sara was also a loyal friend who stayed in touch with former co-workers and was always ready to lend a hand, celebrate a happy occasion, or comfort in times of need. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched. Memorials in her honor may be made to Catholic Charities 4217 Dewitt Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938 . Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with her family.