Maria "Molly" Imelda Yslas-Brandt

Maria “Molly” Yslas-Brandt

Maria was born in Weslaco, Texas to Alvaro “Big Al” Yslas and Maria “Mary” Salinas and was the youngest of three siblings. Maria moved from Texas to Commerce City, Colorado as a toddler and later moved to nearby Brighton, Colorado. Maria was a proud Eagle at Adams City High School and graduated in 1980. Later that year, she met the love of her life, Russell Brandt.  They married on December 25, 1981. In 1984, their first child, Andrew, was born.  In 1987, Meredith was born and rounded out their beautiful family.  As a family they loved to cook and watch movies.  They also loved doing things with their larger family of cousins, aunties, uncles and friends, including playing poker.  Molly and Rusty celebrated 43 years of marriage in December of 2024 and had plans to renew their vows.

Maria started her professional career in leasing but found great joy in a midlife career change that took her to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. She enjoyed her work managing budgets and offering administrative support to the State Parks of colorful Colorado. Maria retired with 20 plus years of service in 2022. 

Maria was raised in a family that found fulfillment in volunteering for Veterans with the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary post 151 in Commerce City. She found life long friendship and community with the Colorado Columbine Girls State family when she attended as a delegate in 1979, a Junior Counselor in 1980, and starting the following year as a Counselor.  Maria was incredibly proud to serve as the Director of the program in 1998 and 1999. The themes of her Director years were “One Moment in Time” honoring female Olympians and “Just One Person” to celebrate her love of The Peanuts. Maria volunteered with Girls State almost every year until 2013. She was joined by her daughter Meredith from 2005 to 2013.

Maria was delighted to spend time with her family. She was a proud Auntie to three generations of nieces and nephews. Auntie adventures included trips to the Royal Gorge and going swimming. She was a doting mother; Maria was at every play performance and choir concert cheering her children on. As her children became adults Molly attended theme dress events with Andrew and karaoke with Meredith. In 2018 she became a Mimi. She loved being a Mimi and loved to spend time with her granddaughters. She was also a beloved Nina.

Maria is survived by her husband Russell Brandt and two children Andrew Brandt and Meredith (Jeremy) Weaver, along with her granddaughters Ava and Lana and brothers David (Lola) and Jaime Yslas and sister-in-law Rita (Leroy) Curry. Maria is preceded in death by both her parents.

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