Margit Ellen Brand passed away on May 6, 2026, following one of the most courageous battles with lung cancer. Through every challenge, Margit carried herself with remarkable grace, strength, determination, and love for her family. Even during her hardest days, she continued to show love and gratitude for the people around her. Her courage inspired everyone fortunate enough to walk beside her during her journey.

Margit was born on November 18, 1947, in the small farming town of Wallersdorf, Bavaria, Germany, to Otto Tobin and Emmy Schuscheng Tobin. Her father worked as a steel worker, and her family roots ran deep within Germany through generations of hardworking families, including her grandparents Heinrich and Marie Tobjinski, as well as Wilhelm and Elisabeth Schuscheng. Her upbringing was shaped by close family bonds. Margit grew up alongside her older brother, Harry, and sister, Gerda. Her father affectionately called her "Mousy," a nickname that remained a treasured memory throughout her life.

One of the hardest transitions in Margit's young life was learning to speak English after moving from Germany to Minnesota as a child. She attended school in Germany through the fourth grade before adapting to a completely new language and culture in Minneapolis. Margit was instrumental in teaching her parents how to speak English, too. Although the first year was challenging, she handled it with the same resilience and determination that would define her entire life.

It was shortly after arriving in Minnesota, while attending fifth grade, that Margit met one of the most important people in her life: her lifelong American friend, Sandy. The two quickly became inseparable neighborhood tomboys. They spent their childhood skating on frozen Minnesota lakes, climbing trees and laughing endlessly. What began as a childhood friendship became a bond that lasted a lifetime. Sandy lovingly referred to Margit as her "life sister," and the love between them truly reflected that description. Through every chapter of life, they remained close friends, confidants, and chosen family.

Margit graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis in 1965. She later fulfilled a lifelong dream of continuing her education by attending Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma City while simultaneously working full-time. She completed a degree in computer programming studying COBOL, during the early years of the technology field. Professionally, Margit built an impressive career in information technology and quality assurance, spending 37 years working for Hertz. She became highly respected for her intelligence, dedication, and ability to master sophisticated software testing systems during a rapidly changing technological era. Though her career path had not been mapped out, she embraced it fully and succeeded through hard work and determination.

Before embracing this career, Margit had two beautiful daughters whom she was endlessly proud of. Sonja (husband, Larry) Cornelius was born in Edina, Minnesota, and Donielle (husband, Brian) Blake was born in Marlton, New Jersey. Margit treasured motherhood deeply and often said her daughters were among her greatest accomplishments in life. She lovingly sewed clothes for them when they were young and cherished memories of attending sporting events, dance recitals, and family holidays.

In 1976, Margit met the love of her life, Danny Brand, through the Siberian Husky Club. They both shared a passion for training and showing dogs. They later married on November 26, 1980. Together, Margit and Danny built a beautiful marriage rooted in loyalty, partnership, humor, dogs, and family. When Margit and Danny married, she lovingly embraced not only Danny, but also Jeremy (wife, Angela) Brand and Kelli (husband, David) Carnes, who became cherished parts of her life and family. Danny, a brick mason by trade and a Vietnam Veteran, stood beside Margit through each chapter of life, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.

Her love only multiplied when she became a grandmother. Margit adored her grandchildren: Gavin Cornelius and his wife Victoria, Baxter Cornelius, Sophia Rose Blake, Ronnie Brand, Brendan Carnes, and Addison Marsh and her wife Madison. She treasured every school function, graduation, sporting event, band concert, holiday gathering, family dinner, and milestone she was able to share with her grandchildren. Family remained at the center of her world until her very last day.

To many people across the country and around the world, Margit was far more than a dog lover. She was considered one of the most respected voices and passionate advocates in the world of Siberian Huskies and Belgian Sheepdogs. Growing up, Margit wanted to be a veterinarian. What began as a childhood love for animals, after receiving her first dog in Minnesota, became a lifelong pursuit filled with expertise, competition, mentorship, travel, and lifelong friendships. For decades, Margit and Danny immersed themselves in the dog show community, traveling the world and building relationships that became extended family. One of the family's first beloved huskies, Soa-Soa, became a treasured part of family life and reflected Margit's lifelong bond with animals. Her dogs were never simply pets, they were companions, they were purpose, and they were members of the family.

One of the most extraordinary things about Margit was simply how kind and happy she was. Those who knew her for decades often say the same thing: they never once saw her angry. She carried a warmth and gentleness that instantly made people feel safe and comfortable around her. Her smile was infectious, and her unmistakable giggle may very well have been the best laugh on this planet. It was impossible to hear her laugh and not smile yourself. She believed deeply in forgiveness. Her Christian faith remained central throughout her life. She prayed constantly and read her Bible regularly.

Margit also created unforgettable family traditions through food and holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas at her home became cherished events filled with incredible cooking, warmth, storytelling, laughter, and love. Her family will forever remember gathering around her table and feeling completely at home in her presence.

Margit Ellen Brand lived an extraordinary life journey. Beginning in a small farming town in Bavaria, Germany, to building a beautiful life and family in America. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, faith, laughter, kindness, unconditional love, and unforgettable memories. Her spirit will continue to live on through the countless lives she impacted, the dogs she loved so deeply, the traditions she created, and the family who adored her beyond words.

Funeral services for Margit Ellen Brand will be held at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, 3925 North Asbury Avenue, Bethany, Oklahoma on Thursday, May 14, at 2:00pm.

Interment will follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, in Oklahoma City, OK.

In lieu of flowers, the family believes Margit would have loved for everyone to consider making a donation in her memory to the Oklahoma Humane Society, at OKHumane.org.