Corazon G. Brandt's Obituary
Corazon was born in 1942, in Tariric, Minalabac, Camarines Sur, Philippines. She attended Tariric Elementary School, University of Neuva Caceres, in Naga City and The University of the Philippines in Manilla. She studied textiles, fabrics and apparel design at the College of Alameda, in California and has owned several apparel businesses and fashion boutiques in Northern California. Corazon met Rick in the Philippines, where she was attending the University of the Philippines, studying electrical engineering. They married after a three-week courtship. The marriage took place at the Manilla City Hall, on June 12th, 1968, a Philippine holiday: Independance Day.
In 1972 they received orders to Alameda Naval Air station, in California where they stayed until they received overseas orders to the Philippines in 1975.
Some close friends urged them to receive marriage blessings before they left, so they were married in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in San Francisco, by Father Fred Bitanga on August 13, 1975. (Monsignor Fred Bitanga has since married them again in 1993 on their 25th anniversary, in 2003 on their 35th anniversary and 2014 on their 46th)
After their return, with their children, Stateside in 1977 they made their home in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2004 an opportunity arrose to purchase the Carole Lombard House, a bed and breakfast , and Corazon promptly became a very popular innkeeper. Her special banana pancakes pleased the palates of many guests and her friendly smile won many hearts. She was an angel to Rick’s parents, making their last days comfortable and caring for them.
Gardening was her heaven-on-earth and she loved growing many kinds of flowers : lavender roses, root-beer irises and Scheherazade lilies were among her favorites.
She grew many tropical plants and moved them outside in the Spring and back into the solarium in the Fall. She loved and enjoyed making dresses, gowns, she loves reading the Bible and helping people who are in need. She has 3 sons and 4 daughters. 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Her wish was to spend her final days in California with her children and attend the Lady of Penafrancia festival in San Leandro. The Pain in her final hours was diminished by the presence of her children and husband.
The pain of her parting is lessened by our hope of joining her at the end of the world.
What’s your fondest memory of Corazon?
What’s a lesson you learned from Corazon?
Share a story where Corazon's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Corazon you’ll never forget.
How did Corazon make you smile?