Lansdale HS Graduate, Lifelong Musician, Dies At 94

Obituary courtesy of Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home.

Isobel W. Brand, 94, of Lansdale, died Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Brittany Pointe Estates. She was the wife of the late Clyde C. Walton and the late Norman L. Brand. Born September 28, 1921 in Aberdeen, Scotland, she was only child of Isobel and Alec Hay.

When Isobel was five years old, her family immigrated to the United States and took up residence in Reading, PA. At the age of eight, the family moved to Lansdale, where she lived ever since. Isobel’s father was a mechanical engineer and her mother was a homemaker. She was a graduate of Lansdale High School.

Isobel always enjoyed music and singing; she had a successful career with the Clyde Walton Dance Band. “One night I was out with my friends, and I started singing with the band. They liked me so much I got a job with them.”

Not only did Isobel sing with the band, she eventually married the band leader, Clyde Walton.

They were married for 26 years until his passing. She later married her second husband, Norman Brand, and the two had a happy marriage for 17 years until he passed away. Isobel combined her expertise and passion for travel in running her own travel agency.

She traveled all over the world. While she enjoyed many places, her favorite trips were to Switzerland, Ireland, and Scotland. Over the years, Isobel continued to enjoy music, especially the music of Harry James, and she had many close friendships and dearly valued her friends. Another hobby she was especially fond of was horseback riding. In her younger days, she would often ride at a stable in picturesque Gwynedd Valley.

She was a member of Lansdale United Methodist Church. She is survived by her step-daughter, Cheryl Lynn Tyahla and her husband, Ronald; step-grandson, Ron; her dedicated caregiver, George Fearen of Lansdale; and many dear friends.

Relatives and friends may call after 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Ave., Lansdale, followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be private in Whitemarsh Memorial Park.