Joyce Anne Brandt

Joyce Anne Brandt, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2023 at her home in Zionsville, Indiana. She was born in Indianapolis on September 26, 1948 to the late Charles and Calista Brandt. Joyce is survived by daughter Mary Freeman; son Willard Freeman; daughter-in-law Stephanie; grandchildren Benjamin and Lillian; and siblings Christopher Brandt and Sally (Brandt) Borse.

She graduated from Howe High School in Indianapolis and earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Purdue University. She taught school before raising her two cherished children. Joyce dedicated her time and talents to many organizations throughout her lifetime. She was a founding member of the First Indiana Company of the Jamestown Society and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, The Mayflower Society, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, The Society of Indiana Pioneers, Arbutus Garden Club, and The Indianapolis Museum of Art Horticultural Society.

Joyce was a deeply compassionate, enthusiastic, and talented person who lived and loved life to its fullest. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, playing card games, collecting antiques, and above all, spending time with family and loved ones. Joyce kept an active schedule as an Advanced Master Gardener, Bridge Silver Life Master, and renovator of her family’s 100-plus old farmhouse in Benton County. She will be remembered fondly for the pure joy and dedication she brought to all her pursuits.

During early childhood, Joyce developed Type 1 Diabetes and made it her mission to understand and overcome the devastating effects of the disease. With all her might, she survived double kidney failure and was the grateful recipient of a lifesaving kidney transplant donated by her brother Christopher. She was a passionate advocate for education and scientific advancement to heal this disease.

Joyce will rest in eternal peace alongside her mother and father at Flanner and Buchanan Washington Park East, where a celebration of life will be held (10722 E. Washington St. Indianapolis) on  Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorial donations made in Joyce’s honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Indiana Chapter. Please use the follow link to make donations.  https://www.jdrf.org/donate/