Katherine Marie Brandt

Katherine Marie Brandt (née Norton), 85, of Cary, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Born on June 24, 1939, in Somerville, MA, Katherine was the daughter of Thomas and Eleanor (Barry) Norton. She had a lifelong love for music, beginning her singing journey at just five years old. As a young teen, she sang under the direction of Leonard Bernstein, with career highlights including performances at Carnegie Hall and the Vatican. Later in life, she continued sharing her gift of song as a member of the Festival Chorus at Harper College, various church choirs, and her beloved Cary Canaries. Music was her passion, and in her later years, she was often out singing four to five times a week—she would often say she "sang around."

Katherine met Donald Brandt in the summer of 1989 through mutual friends, and the two married on June 22, 1991. Katherine introduced Don to the joy of traveling, and together they explored the world, creating cherished memories.

She had a deep love for Broadway shows in Chicago, entertaining friends and family, and hosting gatherings with her signature warmth and elegance—paper plates were simply not an option when she was around. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel at home. To those who knew her best, she was simply ETL—“Easy to Love.”

Before retiring to focus on her family and passions, Katherine worked for many years as an administrative assistant in the insurance industry.

She is survived by her children, Ned (Melissa) Lamarre and Ellen Lamarre; stepdaughter, Susan Brandt; grandchildren, Korrie Lamarre and Jourdan (Nathan) Rainey; and great-granddaughters, Margo and Gwenyth. She will also be dearly missed by her many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and her siblings, Paul Norton, Nancy DeBonis, Thomas Norton, Louise Buckley, and Lawrence Norton, all of Massachusetts, and Eleanor Trites of California.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 410 North First St., Cary. Burial will follow at Windridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor at www.littlesistersofthepoor.org/donate.