Sara "Betsy" Elizabeth Brandt

Sara Elizabeth “Betsy” Brandt, 82, of Three Oaks, died with her family by her side on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Woodland Terrace, Bridgman.

Betsy was born October 8, 1943, in Providence, Rhode Island to Walton and Ramona (Tash) McCort, while her father was serving in the United States Navy. After Walton finish his service they moved back to Coldwater, MI, and then to Bridgman, MI where Betsy’s sister, Merry, was born.

Betsy attended school in both Bridgman and New Buffalo before she transferred to Michigan City, IN. She graduated from Elston High School in 1961. Betsy spent her summers working at the New Buffalo Public Library. She continued her education at Western Michigan University and received her teaching degree in 1965. After receiving her degree, she was hired as a schoolteacher and taught for several years at Hollywood Elementary in Stevensville, MI.

Betsy loved teaching but it was not to be her lifelong career. During the summers when she was off from teaching, she happened upon her “dream job,” as a Summer Travel Counselor at the Michigan Department of Transportation’s New Buffalo Travel Information Lodge on US-12 in New Buffalo. It was after the birth of her son, and some convincing by her supervisor, Donald Wehner, that she finally decided to give up teaching and just work at the travel center. Betsy loved her new job promoting the State of Michigan. She was so excited when they opened the new Travel Information Center on I-94 in 1972. Shortly after that she became the Assistant Manager and then the Manager in 1982. By 1990 MDOT had replaced the small interstate center with a new building three times the size. Betsy was very proud of the fact that she was the only employee to have worked in all three buildings. She retired in 2002 with over 35 years of service but continued to work in the tourist industry by remaining on the Board of the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council for another 15 years.

It was during her senior year of college that Betsy married the love of her life, Ronald K. Brandt. They eloped to Chicago on October 2, 1964, and they celebrated their 60th anniversary before Ron’s passing on December 3, 2024. They settled down and spent their entire 60 years in the lovely brick ranch home that Ron built for them in Three Oaks. It was there that both of their children, Robert, and Ann, grew up.

Betsy loved to travel and knew Michigan like the back of her hand. She and Ron took the family on many vacations and in later years she and Ron traveled across the country, twice. They also loved driving around in their 1965 Ford Galaxy convertible enjoying the countryside. Both Betsy and Ron loved dogs, especially their dalmatians, Domino and Gabby, and their labradoodles, Daisy and Molly.

Betsy is survived by her son, Robert and wife, Rebecca, and grandson, Caelen; her daughter, Ann Krieger and granddaughter, Cally Krieger; her sister-in-law, Nancy (Larry) Tucek of Three Oaks; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, Betsy was predeceased by her husband, Ron; her sister, Merry; and infant brothe,r James.

Cremation has occurred and per Betsy’s wishes there will be no services, and her ashes will be interred alongside her husband at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Three Oaks.

Memorial contributions can be made in Betsy’s name to the New Buffalo Public Library, 33 North Thompson, New Buffalo, MI 49117.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pike Funeral Home and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com