09/04/2026
Cornelia "Connie" Brand Obituary
Connie Brand born Cornelia Longaker
Peacefully passed away 08/29/2026 at Valley View Health Campus in Fremont, OH.
Born June 26, 1937, Conneaut, OH, to Dr. Perry Rufus and Mrs. Ruth Syler Longaker.She married Darrell Aurand Brand on August 23, 1959. He preceded her in death December 2019.
Connie is survived by her two brothers, Dr. Perry and Sylvia (Olson) Longaker, Fort Myers, FL, Dr. Christopher Longaker, Portland, OR; Children, Stewart Brand of Port Clinton, OH, Megan (David) Brand Wedig of Cincinnati, OH, and Dalton Brand (and his partner Iman Hasan) of Lakewood, OH; Grandchildren, Tyler Brand, Katelin Brand Reinhart, Brennan Wedig, Casey Brand and Wyatt Brand; Great grandchildren, Emma Reinhart, Thomas Reinhart, Winston Reinhart and Oliver Reinhart.
Connie majored in Biology and received her Bachelor of Science from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH. Following her graduation, she worked at the Cleveland Clinic conducting cardiology research. Shortly after that, she and Darrell moved to Cleveland Heights, OH to raise their family. As a homemaker, Connie pursued her interests in home decorating, sewing, stained glass, tennis, and sail boating. After many years as a stay-at-home-mom, she returned to the workforce in a Public Relations capacity for the City of Cleveland Heights facilitating integration into the community. During this time, she continued her volunteer work at the Church of the Covenant where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She also joined a Book Club with fellow members of the church that continue to meet monthly.
Connie and Darrell pursued their dream of owning their own business, purchasing a marina in Port Clinton, OH in 1978. Connie was a principal officer and worked full-time overseeing the operations of the business. Over the years they expanded the footprint of the marina and the services offered. Even after her retirement, Connie continued to serve as a consultant to the business throughout her life.
As a member of Firelands Presbyterian Church, Port Clinton, OH, Connie enjoyed singing in the choir, participating in small prayer groups, and volunteering at Wide World Shop, a Fair Trade store supporting artisans from developing countries across the globe and promoting Fair Trade practices and a Maker-to-Market mission. Connie also supported Bistro 163, Port Clinton, a non-profit serving those with food insecurities.
As a founding member of Musical Arts Series Port Clinton, Connie served tirelessly on their Steering Committee with an emphasis on fundraising. Originally conceived as a classical music series with an emphasis on chamber ensembles, the series has expanded to include folk, Celtic, and jazz groups. She remains a member of the Steering Committee Emeritus.
Connie served on the Board of The Harry Stensen Memorial Trust Fund, a foundation supporting Arts, Community/economic development, Crime/law enforcement, Education, Federated giving programs, Housing/shelter, Human services, Libraries (public) for the betterment of Port Clinton.
Connie remained engaged in a local quilting group, a small prayer gathering, monthly zoom calls with her cousins, monthly zoom calls with the Cleveland Heights Book Club and attending Metropolitan Opera Live in HD productions. She was a woman of deep faith and service to others throughout her life.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to Firelands Presbyterian Church, 2626 E. Harbor Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452, (419) 734-6211 or Musical Arts Series, 2626 E. Harbor Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452, (419) 276-6593, [email protected].
Connie donated her body to The Ohio State University’s Body Donation Program. She is honored to play a part in the education and training of medical and health science students and professionals. A memorial service will be held at Firelands Presbyterian Church, 2626 E. Harbor Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452, on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 1:00PM with a luncheon served beginning at 12:00PM.
