Obituary of Alvina T. Brandt

Alvina Theresa Brandt was born to the late Fitzgerald and Beryl Gibson on May 5, 1946 in Triumph Village, Guyana. She was the fifth child born out of eight and attended St. Mary's ye Virgin Anglican School, Pitman Institute and the Carnegie School of Home Economics. Alvina immigrated to the United States in 1969 and became a naturalized citizen in 1982. There was a strong need to further her education so she attended Essex County College. There she obtained her associate degree in Accounting. After completion of her studies, Alvina worked for several organizations such as Mid-Atlantic Bank and Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company. Alvina's greatest passion was sewing. Late in life, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Through her studies, she was able to begin a small business creating children clothing. In 2011, she retired from New York Life Insurance as a Computer Analyst. Alvina was a mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She worked hard for the betterment of her children, grandchild and community. Alvina strongly believed in caring for her home and children. Her interests included crocheting, playing scrabble and traveling around the world, typically via cruise ship. Alvina was baptized in the Anglican Church and continued her strong faith throughout her life. Alvina is survived by her children, Nicole Fisher, Russchelle Smith, Shawnette Brandt, Aubrey Brandt and granddaughter Sharmaine Fisher. Alvina siblings; Sheila Augustin, Gwendolyn Cummings, Alfred Gibson (known as Randolph), Brenda Freeman, and Urna Sealey. She is preceded by her parents Fitzgerald and Beryl Gibson, her brother Cecil Gibson and sister Lorraine Gibson. Alvina, or fervently called by extended family Auntie or Cousin "Vina" leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, and friends. The Family of Alvina Brandt would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for every act of love and kindness extended to them during their time of remembrance. Psalm 121I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.