Karen Elizabeth Brand, 77, of Pensacola, FL passed away Monday, April 10, 2023.

Karen was born August 1, 1945, to Willard and Grace Nielsen and spent her childhood days in Kalamazoo, MI. After earning a degree in Spanish from the University of Missouri she moved to St. Louis where she met Lt. Jimmy Brand. They were married in January 1969.

Karen gave 20 years of faithful service as a systems analyst at Cerex Advanced Fabrics. She was an active member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church and their Sunday School class. Karen regularly volunteered at The Haven of Our Lady of Peace Nursing Home, where her mother once resided. An avid boater and fisherwoman, she could often be found on the water or at the beach with her sons, Tim and Dan. Together, Karen and Jim loved golfing, walking in their neighborhood, and tending to their lush garden. She was a master at games such as Mexican Train Dominoes, Scrabble, and Tripoley and a fierce competitor. In retirement, Karen and Jim enjoyed traveling with her brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Gloria Nielsen. Together, they explored Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and many destinations in between.

Family was everything for Karen. She adored her two sons, their wives, and three grandsons, and was an integral part in all of their lives. A lover of animals, especially dogs, Karen doted on her "grand-doggies" as well. She was a true blessing to all who knew and loved her and was most known for her big heart and charitable spirit.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Jimmy Brand; her sons, Timothy Brand (Robyn) and Daniel Brand (Katherine); her grandchildren, Ethan Brand, Jimmy Brand, and Wyatt Brand; as well as her brother, Richard Nielsen (Gloria).

Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Josh Blount officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 5725 N. 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32504. ( https://cokesburychurch.churchcenter.com/giving )