It is with the deepest sorrow and regret that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Brandy, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Brandy Lynn Howard-Hart passed unexpectedly at home on Sunday morning, September 6th.

Brandy’s memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Monday, September 14 at Covenant Funeral Home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Her family will receive guests for her viewing beginning at 10 am and ending at 12pm. For those who are unable to attend in person but still wish to be present, a livestream of the service will be available online via the funeral home’s website. More details will be posted in the next day or two. The family wishes to assure everyone that necessary precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the ceremony.

There are no words to convey the depth and breadth of Brandy’s life. From New York to Paris to Los Angeles, Brandy has truly lived a life without bounds. Glamorous, generous, and  vivacious, she was a force to be reckoned with and her spirit lives on in those closest to her.

Coco Chanel said that, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” No other words better describe Brandy. Driven, fierce, and compassionate are equal contenders.

Brandy touched more lives than most. Her generosity and goodness of heart were felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Always an advocate for the underdog, she believed indiscriminately in one’s duty to help others whenever and however possible. She was a supporter of dreams, often giving time and money to countless small businesses, startups, and individuals. She was in many ways ahead of her time. She was always a trendsetter- her daughters can attest to how many times she wore pieces that would not hit the mainstream fashion world until a couple of years later. She was a believer in the power of community support, which was evident from her involvement in a number of charitable endeavors and her active role in what she termed her “village”- her group of mom friends that supported one another in carpooling, childcare, and the like. She was a feminist in more ways than one.

Brandy had a special way of making everyone feel good about themselves. She looked for the best in people and always gave everyone a chance. Behind her big Prada sunglasses and bulky Chanel handbags, she was still very much the small town girl born and raised in Spotsylvania, Virginia, and she never forgot where she came from or what it took to “make it”. She had a knack for spontaneously and courageously creating relationships where there previously were none, and this served her and her family both personally and professionally. She was brave and vulnerable, never too afraid to start up a conversation with someone she wanted to connect with.

Perhaps above all, Brandy was a fighter. Despite very real struggles, she never, ever gave up, and time after time when life knocked her down, she managed to pick herself back up again. She could often be heard saying that all she could do was give her “perfect effort”, and that is precisely what she did. Her family could not be prouder of her.

Much more can and will be said, but this is what we will leave you with for now. We will be reflecting more on the very full and enviable life of Brandy here on Facebook and with each other in person. We will be seeking to memorialize her page so that we may all have a place to come together and share stories, pictures, and memories. This is just one of the many ways that we will all honor her legacy.

Her family is beyond grateful for the years of love, support, and laughter that they spent with Brandy. It is in a spirit of celebration, gratitude, pride, and joy that her family carries on.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/OTI4NTI=.

Peace and love to you all,

The Harts

 

 

To view the livestream service, CLICK HERE.