Kathryn Lee (Thorpe) Brandy

Kathryn “Trina” Brandy (Thorpe) passed away suddenly and tragically on Saturday, March 09, 2024, in Miami, Florida, due to a heart-related bicycle accident.  Trina was born on February 19, 1963, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania to Roberta and Floyd Thorpe and with her mother later raised by Stepfather, James Fatula (all of whom preceded her in death).  She was also preceded in death by her sister, Roberta Thorpe and brother, James Thorpe.  She is survived by two sisters and brothers –in-law, Margaret (Thorpe) and Richard Greenwood of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mary (Thorpe) and Rich McFarland of West Union, Ohio, and her sister-in-law Kim Thorpe.  She leaves behind a grieving husband, Dr. Dominic A. Brandy (Nick), and three beautiful children, Liv Brandy, Beau Brandy, and Cecelia Brandy.  She also loved and reveled in the lives of her 24 nieces and nephews and was the beloved great-aunt to many great-nieces and nephews as well.  She welcomed them into her home and visited them often, bringing joy to their lives.

Trina graduated from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania in 1981.  She studied at the Jameson Hospital in New Castle, Pennsylvania and became a Registered Nurse in 1987.  While working at Divine Providence Hospital in Pittsburgh she met her future husband Dr. Brandy and on October 16, 1988, they married.  Together they raised three adopted children, Liv, Beau, and Cecelia, all of whom deeply mourn the loss of the “heartbeat” of their family.  Having suffered and survived cancer in her twenties, she became the full partner of her husband when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2017.   He dedicated the book he wrote in response to his diagnosis to her, writing, “This book is dedicated to my amazing wife, Trina, who inspired me when she courageously fought her own battle against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the young age of 28.  She is my cheerleader in my own battle.  She encourages me and critiques me when I need it.  She is truly my rock.”  To say that Trina was a devoted mother doesn’t do it justice.  She home-schooled her children and as they grew into adulthood, became their confidante and best friend without diminishing her maternal role.  Trina was their biggest fan in all the things that mattered to them!  She organized family trips around the world and in recent years, enjoyed planning travel with Nick to some of their favorite spots around the country and new journeys across continents.  Trina loved to cheer for Pittsburgh sports teams and engaged her pals on the latest trades, successes and disappointments.   She was an active reader, and chef extraordinaire.  When Nick decided to address his illness in part with a vegan diet, Trina shifted the menu of the household without ever losing a beat, constantly searching for recipes and ways to include a variety of ingredients that beat back the cancer.

Trina was a close friend to so many, both members of her large extended family and the many friends she met in a variety of circumstances.  Countless numbers can relay a story of her reaching-out to listen to a problem or simply checking-in to see how things were going.  Trina listened and there was little she would fail to deliver when asked.   Unsolicited, she made and delivered meals to those who needed them.  She sent gifts to cheer people, to provide support and to bring a smile.  At family Christmas parties that she and Nick hosted there were always presents for all the children, selected with thought and care.  She had a mischievous sense of humor and she absolutely, positively loved to LAUGH.

 Finally, and most importantly in her heart, she was a woman who believed in the power of prayer.  She was a believer in Jesus, the Lord.  She believed that all things on this earth are here because of Him and she lived her faith day-in and day-out.  When she was tragically taken from her family and friends on March 9th, she was riding her bicycle listening to praise music.  Trina would have loved to live several more decades with her husband and best friend, Nick, see her children grow older and become the people they are meant to be, and she would have thrived at being a grandmother.  But she was taken from us all while listening to the sounds of worship and she would not have wanted it any other way.

Relatives and friends received Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM and Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 12-4 PM at SCHEPNER-McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 165 Noble Avenue, Pittsburgh (Crafton) PA 15205.  Celebration of Kathryn’s Life will be held Monday, March 18, 2024, 11AM at The Double Tree by Hilton – Green Tree, 500 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Trina’s memory may be made to PreBorn, P.O. Box 78221, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or (www.preborn.com).