Gwendolyn “Gwen” Ingalls Brandt, 93, of Palmyra, PA, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, May 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was, to all who knew her, a light in this world.
Born in Stambaugh, MI, on Oct. 3, 1932, Gwen was a proud “Yooper” and the daughter of the late Dr. Robert E. and Kathryn (Carroll) White. After graduating from Northwestern University in 1953 with her BSN, she devoted over 40 years to caring for others as a registered nurse. Nursing was never merely a profession for Gwen — it was a reflection of her character. She had a servant’s heart, always present and always giving, making sure everyone around her felt seen and loved.
In 1955, she married James G. Ingalls, and together they built a full and loving home with seven children. When Jim passed away suddenly in 1974 at just 43 years old, Gwen faced the unimaginable with a quiet strength. She returned to nursing and raised all seven children on her own for eight years, never losing her warmth, her humor, or her faith. Those formative years, spent largely on Locust Grove Road in York, PA, were a testament to her resilience.
On May 1, 1982, Gwen married Donald N. Brandt and moved to Palmyra, PA. The two were best friends — inseparable, like peanut butter and jelly, always ready for the next adventure. Together, Gwen and Don explored the world with a spirit that few could match. They hiked the Grand Canyon seven times, conquered a significant portion of the Appalachian Trail, camped atop Half Dome in Yosemite, hiked the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska, and went deep-sea fishing for halibut. They trekked through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes — such as Big Bend, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, the Grand Tetons, and Denali — and loved the parks so much they even worked at the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone.
As much as Gwen loved their adventures in their camping van, the Roadrunner, her greatest adventures were the everyday moments — crowded holiday tables, graduations and recitals, back scratches, afternoon naps, and mountains of laundry to fold. She was a mother not only to her own children but to many others who found their way under her roof, with a gift for making people feel at home and making them laugh. Her humor and steady calm in the face of adversity were a comfort to everyone around her.
Gwen’s faith was her foundation. As a devoted member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, she found great purpose in the Prayer Shawl Committee, lovingly knitting shawls wrapped in prayer for those who needed comfort.
She loved the slow, warm melodies of Neil Diamond, a good book, and anything with a splash of color. She had a legendary sweet tooth — her nightly bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream was non-negotiable, and she absolutely loved M&Ms. If you knew Gwen, you knew there were always M&Ms within reach.
Gwen is survived by her devoted husband, Donald N. Brandt; children, Patrick J. Ingalls, of York, Robert E. Ingalls, husband of Lisa, of Hershey, Catherine I. Douts, wife of Charles, of Washington Boro, Carolyn I. Wood, wife of Robert, of Maryland, Mary I. Lochtie, wife of Robert, of Bellingham, WA, and Peggy I. Rhine, wife of Gary, of Cornwall; stepchildren, David J. Brandt, husband of Paula, of Palmyra, Barbara A. Kreider, wife of Robert, of Annville, and Crystal J. Brandt, of Palmyra; 18 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her first husband, Gwen was preceded in death by her son, Michael J. Ingalls; stepson, Michael D. Brandt; and sisters, Carol W. Piper and Dorothy W. Erickson.
A public visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 125 Spruce St., Annville, PA 17003. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m., followed by burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in her memory. Kreamer Funeral Home, Annville, is handling arrangements.
Gwen leaves behind a legacy of generosity, kindness, resilience, adventure, and faith. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. Rest easy, Gwen — or as you’d say, just rest your eyes.
