Obituary of Lois Ann Brandow

Lois Ann Brandow Olean, NY Lois Ann (Whitehead) Brandow, a lifelong resident of Olean, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday (March 11, 2023) following a short illness. Lois was the daughter of Clarence Edgar and Hazel Hakes Whitehead. She was first married to Charles J. Gould with whom she had her 2 daughters, Darcy, and Debra Ann. She later married William Brandow. Lois enjoyed working with people and was employed as a stock clerk for JC Penny Co., and the former Weston’s Shoppers City. She also worked several years for AVX Ceramics, and then for HomeCare and Hospice until her retirement. She volunteered for 20 years for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and also volunteered for Olean General Hospital, S.T.R.A.W.W. events, and for the Christmas in April program. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and embraced the Lord. Lois enjoyed going to dinner, car rides, and playing cards with her beloved companion, Dan. She loved her family and was a best friend to her two daughters. She was the first person they would call to share good or bad news, and she always had time for a cup of tea and time to listen, usually with cookies on hand to enjoy. She was an excellent cook and could make anyone feel special when she had family over for lunch or dinner. Lois was an excellent seamstress who made her daughters Barbie clothes by hand, and would sew bathrobes for each of them which they cherished and wore until they fell apart. In all, she possessed an amazing sense of humor and a sharp wit. She was fiercely independent, active, smart, and caring. Lois loved words and writing and once received an award for her writing skills. She did the daily crossword puzzle and was a fierce opponent in scrabble. She kindly sent cards to people just to say thank you. She loved animals, especially her beloved cat “Butterscotch” whom she lost a few years ago. She would feed the animals in her yard and watch them from her window. She is survived by her daughter Darcy (William Burlingame) Dwaileebe; 2 grandsons Jeremy (Megan) Dwaileebe and Joshua (Tina) Dwaileebe; a great granddaughter Oasis M. Dwaileebe, whom she loved visiting with. Lois is also survived by her beloved companion and friend Dan Crowley. In addition to Charles J. Gould, she was predeceased by her daughter Debra Ann (Bell, Howard) Gould whom she missed and loved every day. Lois was one of a kind and will be loved and missed by all who were blessed to know her. The family will be present to receive friends on Wednesday from 5-7pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A celebration of Lois’ life will be held Thursday (March 16, 2023) at 11am in the funeral home. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean. Following the service, the family invites those attending to a luncheon being provided at the Trinity United Methodist Church, N. 9th St., Olean. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the SPCA, 1644 Olean-Hinsdale Rd., Olean, NY 14760, Trinity United Methodist Church, 131 North 9th Street, Olean, NY 14760, Interfaith Caregivers, PO Box 319, Olean, NY 14760, or to Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center, 427 E. Kanesville Boulevard, Suite 202, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.