Obituary of Marthe Page Brandt

Marthe Page (Howell) Brandt, 78, passed away peacefully at home in Manchester, New Jersey on July 1, 2021. Marthe was born in Elizabeth, NJ, resided in Jackson, NJ for the majority of her life, and ultimately retired in Manchester. A lifelong musician and educator, her love of teaching reached private music students, the Oak Hill Academy Nursery School, Saint Thomas Christian Academy, and the school districts of Matawan, Farmingdale, and Jackson, where she served first as an elementary school instrumental music teacher, proudly leading one of New Jersey's only elementary-level marching bands and later as the founding band instructor of the Christa McAuliffe Middle School. Active in theatre communities all across New Jersey, Marthe will be remembered for her contributions to all areas of the arts. Early in her career, Marthe proudly performed in concert at The Town Hall Theatre in New York City. She frequently played as a guest organist in many churches across the state. She was a member of the local musicians' union and worked professionally across NJ. Marthe was particularly proud of and loved for her role as a founding member and a Musical Director of Red Oak Music Theatre and for her work with the Westernaires Choir of Leisure Village West. Marthe was predeceased by her parents, father August "Kenneth" Axford Howell and mother LaVonne Bidwell Smith. She is survived by her husband, Charles Robert Brandt, her daughter, Meredith Page Brandt-Shields, her son-in-law, Allen James Shields, her granddaughter, Page Theresa Shields, and numerous beloved family members. Per her wishes, internment will be private for immediate family members. Family, friends, students, and colleagues are invited to contribute to the Marthe Brandt Memorial Scholarship for Future Music Educators, an effort by her family to continue her legacy of inspiring instrumental music in schools. Donations may be made and sent to: Jackson Township Scholarship Fund, Inc. PO Box 910 Jackson, NJ 08527 Referencing the Scholarship in her name. Arrangements have been completed by the August F. Schmidt Memorial Funeral Home, 139 Westfield Ave., Elizabeth, NJ