Melda Mary (Brandt) Newman Ph.D.

GARNET VALLEY, Pa. – Melda Mary Brandt Newman, Ph.D., born Oct. 4, 1943 to Edward and Mary (Mitchell) Brandt of Delaware, died Sept. 1, 2025. Melda earned degrees at Vassar, the University of Delaware and the University of North Carolina.

Prior to marrying Michael W. Newman in 1982, then Dr. Brandt was an Assistant Professor of Child Development at the University of Maine where she was then but the second female and the youngest recipient of the University’s prestigious Distinguished Professor Award in 1980.

Her academic achievements did not define her, however. People were central to her at the university and later as a church administrator, when she worked with her husband, Michael, an Episcopal priest. Melda was also a dedicated hospice volunteer for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her dear friend, Dr. Mary Jane Strattner-Gregory and her husband Arthur of Delaware.

Her husband, Michael W. Newman; and friends Sara Getman of New York, Martha S. Ochs and Mariah A. Strattner of Massachusetts and Bernard Broder of Maine, survive her as does her legacy of spreading kindness, love and hope with a twinkle in her eyes and a smile on her face.

To honor Melda be mindful of others, kind, attentive, and genuine. Bring goodness to the world whenever and wherever you can.

Visitors will be received from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Nov. 16 at 1806 Half Mile Post South, Garnet Valley, Pa. Contact attorneybroder@yahoo.com for additional information.