Surrounded by her loving family, Judy Kay Brandt slipped peacefully into the arms of God and her mother on the evening of March 26th, 2019, at St Peter’s Hospital after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Judy Wilcox was born on March 20th, 1945, to Ralph and Katie Wilcox in Deer Lodge, Montana while Ralph was away as a pilot in WWII. He returned and saw his baby girl for the first time at four months old. They settled in a small, happy homestead in the Madison Valley near Three Forks, Montana.
Judy graduated from Three Forks High School in 1963 and soon after met the love of her life, Barney Brandt, in Helena. They were married on June 19th, 1965 and made their home in Helena where she worked as a long-distance phone operator for Mountain Bell. After the birth of her first son Trever in 1966 she became a full-time mom and homemaker which she dearly loved. Her son Troy followed in 1969 and daughter Shauna in 1974. When her children were grown, she watered plants at various large businesses around town and in 1995, she and Barney, along with partners Roger and Patty Bonnes, and Joe and Karen McMillan opened an electrical contracting business, Eagle Electric. With excellent organizational skills, determination, and some advice from a business accountant she successfully built and managed the day to day operations of Eagle Electric until retiring and selling her share to son Troy and his wife Kris in 2005.
Judy loved her family deeply and organized many trips, picnics, and get -togethers whenever she possibly could for summer vacations, birthdays, or whenever a family member came to town. She never missed her grandkids’ events and often flew to attend events for Shauna’s kids until at last Shauna, her husband Dave and their family were able to return to Helena in 2016. Judy and Barney walked three miles a day around the Sunhaven subdivision area every day unless the walks were too icy.
Judy is survived by her husband Barney Brandt, children Trever Brandt, Troy (Kris) Brandt, Shauna (Dave) Bird, all of Helena; father Ralph Wilcox of Helena; siblings Susan (Allen) Watson of Helena, Ed (Cheryl) Wilcox of Bozeman, and Jim (Joyce) Wilcox of Helena; brothers-in-law Howard “Buzz” (Mary) Brandt of Amarillo TX and Ray Babcock of Wenatchee Washington; sisters-in-law Barbara (Ron) Coltom of Surprise Arizona and Karen (Bob) Berry of East Helena; grandchildren Cory Brandt, Jason and Amanda Brandt, and Jordan, Sydney and Bridger Bird, all of Helena. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Katie Wilcox and her sister-in-law Phyllis Babcock.
We are forever grateful for the kindness and compassion of the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Peter’s hospital and the Oncology unit.
Memorials may be sent to Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church or to an organization of donor’s choice. A celebration of Judy’s life followed by a reception will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. A private family interment of ashes will be held at a later date in Three Forks, Montana.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 3, 2019
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of her Life
Wednesday April 3, 2019
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 3, 2019
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of her Life
Wednesday April 3, 2019
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Bob Pennington says
Barney, Troy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Judy was a wonderful woman. You are all in my thoughts and Prayers.
The Rushford Family says
Barney I am so sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing Judy around the neighborhood
Jim and Sally Wilcox says
We are so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Our thought and prayers are with all of you, now, and the days ahead.
God bless!
Ron and Shari Mercer says
So sorry for your loss. You and Judy were a great partnership and raised an outstanding family. We will have to get together and talk about old times. God bless
Donna and Gary Turcott says
Dear Barney and family, We are so sorry to learn that you’ve lost your dear Judy. She was beautiful in every way. We will miss her at St. Paul’s.
Marvin and Dianne Page says
Barney and family – so very sorry and sad to read of Judy’s passing. She was a lovely, classy lady and great neighbor. Our prayers and condolences to you and your family.
Peggy L Seidel says
Barney and Family, As the spouse of a cancer patient of Dr. Weiner, we were able to visit with you and Judy on the Oncology Ward when my husband, Paul, was admitted. When chatting with Judy her main topic was her children and grandchildren. Her positive attitude was an inspiration to me.
Mary Kay Bennett says
When I worked in the Valley at the nursery, I would drive by Sonhaven every morning..there you two would be, walking together at a very good pace.
It always brought a smile to my face & i appreciated the bond that you two shared..in life & love.
I am so sorry, Barney!
Your friend, Mary Kay
Rick O’Connell says
We are saddened to hear of Judy’s passing. Her smile always brightened up the day. Our thoughts are with you.
Rick and Jan
David Curd says
Barney, Troy and family: My sympathies on your loss. Judy was a special gal with a great smile , smart as a whip and she loved her family. We miss her.
David Curd
John & Cherie Dahl says
We are so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with you Barney and family. Several memories of times spent with you.
Sainvil Family says
Our deepest sympathies go to the Brandt family. We pray that God will grant you the needed comfort in this sad moment in life. May the comforting words recorded in Psalm 147:3 consoles your heart.
Greg Murray says
A special friend and classmate for 12 years.
Bob Moon says
Barney and family – It’s a sad day. I remember talking with you in the hospital lobby. Life seems so unfair at times, but there’s a grand plan for all of us. Take care.
Susan and Bob Andersen says
Barney and family, So sorry to hear you lost Judy…we, too, would see you two walking every morning. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Pastor Bill Dickgraber says
Sorry to hear about this, Barney. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kory & Jennifer Kennaugh says
So very sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Elaine and Joe Malensek says
Barney and family, we are so sad and sorry to hear about Judy.
Our thoughts and prayer are with you all. Judy is in a wonderful
place . God is holding her.
Kathleen Broussard says
Troy and Kris and family, we are so sorry about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keith, Kathleen and Kory Broussard
Susan Kirley says
Feeling such sadness at the loss of a dear person with so much heart. ❤️ Only recently heard of her illness & now she is gone. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. In our prayers. Hugs..Susan & Kevin Kirley
Cathy Shenkle says
I’m so sorry to hear about Judy’s passing, Barney. It seems like yesterday that Judy came across the street to welcome Doug and I to the neighborhood. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Connie (Ward) Beatty says
Barney, I am so sorry for your loss of your dear wife Judy. You were one of the lucky couples that found your soul mate and were able to share, love, happiness and raising your family together. I am saddened to think hear she was taken away from you and your family all too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Lisa & Matt Dorrington says
Shauna, we are so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful person and loved chatting with her when I saw her around town. What a beautiful soul…Our thoughts of love are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Connie (Cross) and Bob Olson says
Barney and family: Our deepest, deepest sympathy in your loss. Always remember Judy with love and affection for the joy she brought into your lives. And please remember, she is up there watching over you and sending down her love.
Tami Bartraw Miller says
Trevor and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. Condolences to you and your family.