AMHERST, MA: Susan Humphries Brandts said goodbye to her family and friends on May 13, 2023.  She was 88 years old.

Sue married her high school sweetheart, John Brandts, and together they raised 6 children, mostly in Amherst –  Brad, Melanie Brandts Murphy, Bob, Debbie Brandts Bettag, Cindy, and Mike.  Cindy pre-deceased her in 2013.  She was also a proud Grammy to 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Family was her priority and she always wanted the best for them, so even early on, when finances were tight, she learned to do things for herself.  She often made her children’s clothes as well as the draperies and such, and always prepared a home-cooked meal for dinners, which was no small task for a family of 8.  As she became an excellent cook and hostess, dinner for 8 often found 10 at the table, with her children’s friends eagerly accepting her frequent invitations to join.  She later shared her enjoyment and extensive knowledge of sewing and cooking while serving as a volunteer leader in 4-H.  She could often be heard uttering the words “I love my job” throughout her life as both a mother and a Grammy.

When she wanted to make improvements at home, she wasn’t afraid to knock out a wall, strip paint, paste wallpaper or perform any of the other myriad skills she picked up from watching her dad when she was young, then later while working at a local paint and wallpaper store.  She was resourceful and thrifty, having grown up in a time before disposability was the norm.  Rather than limiting her, it seemed to spark her creativity to find ways to accomplish her vision on the budget she had.  Several houses in the area have benefitted from her skills and personal touch.  Some were even featured in local publications for the beautiful gardens she created and tended.

Many will remember her for her unique home on the pond which became an expression of herself and a special gathering place for family and friends.  She enjoyed nothing more than hosting a pig roast, scarecrow making contest, fishing derby, ice skating party, or many other celebrations and festivities that brought her loved ones together.

Those who knew Sue, knew her to be a one-of-a-kind individual who wasn’t afraid to tackle new challenges in her own way.  She was a unique woman who could help her grandchildren make gingerbread houses during the day, then hop in her red, ’72 Corvette convertible to go dancing at night at a local bar.  That was Sue; adventurous, free-spirited, and with a true zest for life.  Her unique spirit and energy will be missed by many.

Her wish was for a simple burial.  Her favorite flowers were tulips, lilacs, and delphinium.  She would have loved for you to plant some in your garden in remembrance or you can make a donation in her name to the Hospice of the Fisher Home in North Amherst, where she received such excellent and compassionate care during her final days.

Memorial Guestbook at: www.douglassfuneral.com