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Obituary for Judith Ann "Judy" Brand
Judy Brand of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away on November 21, 2016. She was born November 19, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of the late James A. Brantigan and Corinne Raycraft.
Judy was the oldest of four siblings and the only girl. Her three younger brothers and parents contributed to her spirit of competition and accomplishment, leading her from an early age through high school to perform in ballet and theater. Judy never lost her passion for ballet and performing arts as she continued with dance through her entire life. The Nutcracker was an annual performance event where she danced in many different roles for many years, even as recently as 2013.
Judy graduated from Cody High School, Detroit, Michigan, in 1964. Three years later, in 1967, she married Jerry Gietl. His career took them from Detroit, Michigan, to Toledo, Ohio, where daughter, Jennifer Anne, was born. A son, Gerard John “Jay”, followed, born in Kalamazoo, Michigan. An additional move to Stow, Ohio, brought Judy to a life-changing career decision and she enrolled in St. Thomas Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated in 1979. In 1980 a career move took her family to Denver, Colorado, opening a new chapter in their lives. She immediately discovered an affinity and love for the mountains—even convincing the family to try skiing, though it didn’t ultimately “capture” her heart. She loved concerts at Red Rocks, her ballet classes, traveling with Scott, and any location with water…especially the Oregon coast. She was proud of her Michigan roots and enjoyed learning about family history. She was never without a camera to capture a memory.
Judy’s favorite life role was “mom” to her adored children, so when her marriage ended, she held Jenni and Jay even closer to her heart. Together the three of them went to concerts; had picnics and walks around Washington Park; explored Evergreen and Vail; and ice-skated at the Broadmoor; they laughed; they loved music and animals. She shared a special bond of music with Jay.
Following graduation and the move to Denver, Judy developed an accomplished professional nursing career working as a registered nurse in ICU, Critical Care, OR and Hospice in hospitals across the Denver Metropolitan area. Judy was well respected and liked by her working colleagues, and in turn, she respected them and found many lifelong friends. Sadly she leaves behind many such colleagues at the Collier Center where she worked as a Hospice Nurse until her recent unexpected and final illness.
Judy was an avid lover of animals and adored her three cats, they will miss her loving strokes. Her friends and colleagues will miss her great smile, her zest for life, her happy attitude and contagious laugh. But more than anything, her children and grandchildren will miss the “Mom/GramJudy” who loved them, encouraged them, gave them confidence and was so very proud of them.
Judy is survived by her beloved children Jenni Gietl, Jay Gietl and wife Renee, grandchildren Andy, Nikki and Tyler, life partner Scott Ogle, and siblings Daryl Brantigan (Brenda) and Greg Brantigan. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and stepfather, Corrine, James and Robert Floyd, and one brother, James Brantigan.
Please consider donating in Judy’s name to the Denver Dumb Friends League (see link below) or your local ballet program.
Donations can be made in Judy's name to Denver Dumb Friend's League (link below) or a local ballet company of your choice. https://secure2.convio.net/ddfl/site/Donation2?9102.donation=form1&df_id=9102&mfc_pref=T
