Christine K. "Chris" Brand, devoted daughter, sister, and friend, was called home to her Lord and Savior on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on July 1, 1963, in Burlington, Vermont, Chris was a devout Christian woman who acted with a deep love for her community, country, and the many charitable causes she championed. She passed peacefully in her sleep doing what she loved: traveling to visit national parks, state capitols, and friends.

Chris is survived by her father, Ronald P. Brand; her brother, Terrance A. Brand, and his wife, Trina; her nephew, Thaddeus; and many close friends who became family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Suzanne (Weber) Brand, who passed in June 2024.

Chris was a proud graduate of FDR High School in Hyde Park, NY, Dutchess Community College, and Marist College with a major in accounting. She later earned her MBA from Long Island University, reflecting a lifelong dedication to learning and personal excellence. She was an accomplished musician having mastered multiple instruments, and enjoyed performing in, and leading, many local groups.

Her professional life as an accountant was marked by commitment and integrity. Chris spent 20 years with Texaco, where she enjoyed temporary assignments in China, the Middle East, and Europe, and 17 years with IBM. Even after retiring in September 2024, her spirit of service continued as she shared her expertise as a financial advisor and bookkeeper at the Pellegrino Healing Center in Hyde Park.

Chris's Christian faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted 50-year member of the United Methodist Church of Hyde Park, she lived out her beliefs through steady service and heartfelt leadership. Baptized and confirmed at age 12, she remained deeply rooted in her faith, contributing joyfully to the worship band and serving with the Mid-Hudson Tres Dias and Vida Nueva ministries.

A lover of classic Disney, chocolate, and the wonders of God's creation, Chris embraced life with vibrant enthusiasm. She pursued her dream of visiting every U.S. National Park site, having explored an extraordinary 349 parks—with only 82 remaining. An expert trip planner, she inspired many to see the beauty she saw so clearly in the world. Her friendships, spanning countless places, stand as lasting testaments to her generous spirit.

Chris believed in living with strength, humility, and Godly character. Whether tending lovingly to her homestead, encouraging excellence in others, or caring fiercely for those she loved, her life consistently reflected her deepest values.

To call Chris loving, kind, and faith-filled only begins to describe the remarkable woman she was. Her legacy of love, service, and unwavering devotion to God lives on in every life she touched. As we say farewell, we rejoice in knowing that Chris Brand now sings with the angels, her spirit forever at home in the beauty of heaven she cherished so deeply.

Cremation has taken place as she had requested. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the United Methodist Church of Hyde Park. Services will be livestreamed on YouTube @umchpny. A reception will follow.

Her ashes will be interred in the family plot at Lakeview Cemetery, Burlington, VT at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the National Parks Conservation Association, Attn: Membership Dept., 777 6th St., NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001 (www.npca.org) or the United Methodist Church of Hyde Park Memorial Fund, 1 Church St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 (www.umchp.com). Chris would be honored by you baking some cupcakes with the young people in your life and sharing them with loved ones.

To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Christine Brand's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.