Elizabeth M. Brandt, 103, of Portage passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025, at StoryPoint in Chesterton, Indiana. Elizabeth was born May 24, 1922, in Duquesne, PA to Ralph & Jennie (Carchio) Iatarola, but the family soon relocated to Gary, Indiana where Elizabeth spent the majority of her youth, graduating from Emerson High School in the mid-1930's. As a child, Elizabeth developed a lifelong passion for music, becoming an accomplished accordion player as a student at the Chicago Conservatory of Music and played professionally at various locations in NW Indiana for most of her adult life. Elizabeth also attended 2 years of business college to acquire the bookkeeping and accounting skills which served her well later in life in the family business.
Elizabeth was married on February 14,1946 to her husband, Fred Brandt, now deceased (October 31, 2009). Fred & Elizabeth resided in Portage during their 63 years of marriage and were the owners/operators of Brandt Hardware in Portage for 43 of those years. Elizabeth was also a charter member of Theta Gamma Theta Sorority, a service sorority which promoted awareness of the need for a hospital and other medical services in the Portage area in addition to providing small scholarships to students pursuing training in a medical discipline.
Elizabeth's husband, Fred, preceded her in death, as did her brothers Joseph, Ralph & Robert Iatarola. She is survived by the couple's daughters, Beverly Brandt of Chicago & Benet Jeffery (Marty Kemp) of Mississippi, grandson, Ash Jeffery (Jennifer), great-grandchildren, Alana & Lawton, sister-in-law, Sallie Iatarola. In addition, Elizabeth is survived by several generations of nieces, nephews and cousins who she adored.
A private committal service will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso on September 13, 2025.
GUESTBOOK
My beautiful Aunt Liz. May you rest in peace, and reunite with your loved ones in heaven. Uncle Fred’s been waiting a long time. I will always cherish the fond memories with you in my life. -Lita (Iatarola) Filippo
My very special aunt Liz was truly an angel in life. I have fond memories of her in several aspects of life. Many were with family get togethers and at the hardware store. Uncle Fred, aunt Liz, as well as Norman were always there. My aunt was a classy lady and always was dressed like she was. Upbeat and happy. She could play the accordion like no nobody's business. My father Ralph and both other brothers adored her, as we all did. She was also the baker of the family. Meringue pies where her specialty. Wow were they perfect. For many years id call and say its my birthday. Banana cream please. And it was always ok tom. Thinking back i sit here teary eyed just thinking of all the good times and she was mostly involved with many of them. Christmas eve dinner was another time of year we still try and celebrate even today. But ill say it was not like the spread we had in our basement every year. What incredible life and memories. Thank you aunt. I know for sure your soring with the angles. -Thomas R. Iatarola
Rest in peace my beautiful Aunt Liz. Our family was so lucky to have you in our lives. One of my fond memories as a child was going to Brandt Hardware and you always letting us pick out a toy. I loved the Sunday visits to my parent’s house with your dogs after getting them ice cream. I really enjoyed our visits throughout years. You are truly an angel in heaven and will be missed. -JoEtta Bonnetts
As children we called you Aunt Peggy and later Aunt Peg. I'm so glad I asked you and received your meat sauce recipe. I remember how good it smelled as it simmered and the Romano cheese made it extra good. Mosticcioli was my favorite, having it at birthday parties at your house. As a beautiful lady you looked and dressed classy! You wrapped our Christmas presents with an artistic touch as well. I don't remember the name of the perfume in your bathroom but it had a woman dressed in a Spanish dress.....I think red and black as a Spanish dancer! It was unique and not the usual perfumes I saw. I'm so glad to have had conversations with you in recent years and that on Easter 2025 Karen told me you had accepted God's gift. I will miss talking with you Aunt Peg! -Sheila Nelson Ryker
