Vernagene Evelyn Brandell

Born February 16, 1934, in Lansing, Michigan, daughter of the late Mulfred and Jessie (Church) Briggs passed away Friday, April 16, 2021 at age 87.

She is survived by her five children, Kenneth (Linda) Brandell, Roger (Debbie) Brandell, Terry Brandell, Denise Mastrocola, and Wendy Baugh; twelve grandchildren, Heather Brandell, Amanda (Robert) Soto, Rose (Andrew) Hutchins, Rita (D.J. Sobish) Deibler, Sarah Mastrocola, Colleen (William) Rose, Rebecca (Drew) Wrabella, Adrian Mastrocola, Stephen Mastrocola, Aaron Mastrocola, Veloie Mastrocola, and Brandon Baugh; seven great-grandchildren, Sophia Soto, Alexander Soto, Josephine Wrabella, Katherine Wrabella, Andrew Wrabella, jr., Leila Rose and Evelyn Rose; sister, Roberta Dugan; sister-in-law, Mary Briggs along with many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Vernagene was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Brandell and her brother, Eugene Briggs.

She was an outstanding musician not only at East Lansing High School but at Michigan State College as well. She graduated from M.S.C. and began her teaching career, teaching kindergarten and first grade at Kalamazoo St. School, Holmes St. School, and Christiancy, all in Lansing.  Vernagene was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church of Lansing and enjoyed genealogy.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel with Rev. Stanley Jenkins officiating.  Interment will follow at Deepdale Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday for 1 hour prior to the funeral. There will be a live stream of the service, and can be viewed by following this link: Live Stream

Those who wish may make memorial contributions, in loving memory of Vernagene, to the American Cancer Society or the Capital Area Humane Society.

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9 Messages to “Vernagene Evelyn Brandell

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Dolores Tomanica
April 18, 2021 at 5:47 pm

My sincere condolence to the family. You are in my prayers.

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Vincent Tomanica
April 19, 2021 at 3:06 am

It was always a pleasure to visit with Vernagene. Her smile lifted one’s spirit. In all my interactions with her, she was soft-spoken, sincere, and kind. I didn’t know till recently that she had been an elementary teacher, but I can see how that fits. She must have been a very good one and left the same lasting impression on her young students as she has upon the rest of us. The gift of her memory is not all that she has left us, though. In her generous spirit, she has given the Brandell family (and extended family) an extensive genealogy. And now that genealogy of family history has come to life for her, as she is reunited with those loved ones who passed through heaven’s gates before her. God grant that we may see Vernagene again, too, in the company of those other faces that we also will recognize once again. That will be the family reunion to top them all.

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Dorothy Rudd Kennedy
April 21, 2021 at 10:15 am

So sorry for your loss. Heaven has received another angel. Love the geology that she sent me. Prayers for al my cousins.

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ECHRS
April 21, 2021 at 11:05 am

Sending our condolences from the staff at ECHRS

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Fred Striks
April 22, 2021 at 9:19 am

Sending our condolences to the Brandell Families – from friends and team members at Thomson Reuters.

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Donna Hansen-Gill
April 22, 2021 at 10:13 am

My deepest sympathy to the family. I specifically know Vernagene’s Son and granddaughter, Roger Brandell and Rebecca Wrabella. Cherish your memories as you go through the upcoming years.

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Stacey Maynard
April 22, 2021 at 2:17 pm

So sorry for your loss Roger and family. Thinking of you all.

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Beth Howard
April 22, 2021 at 2:28 pm

Sending my love to the Brandell family. Vernagene was my second Mom growing up, and was always so welcoming and kind to me. Her wit and her wonderful sense of humor was legendary. Rest In Peace Mom Brandell, you have earned it.

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Ferrol Briggs Trapp
April 23, 2021 at 11:40 am

When you are missing your Mom and Dad please gain comfort from rapping yourselves in the Quilt that was made for them with love in every stitch.

I miss you guys. Peace be with you. They are together in Peace.

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