Mary Magdalen Braun

Mary Magdalene Braun (nee Held), 95, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, after a long illness, at Clement Manor in Greenfield, WI.

Mary was born on March 5, 1930, in Racine, WI, daughter of the late William and Eleanor Held (nee Thielen). She attended grade school at St. Rita's and St. Joseph's schools and high school at St. Catherine's. She continued her education at Dominican College and Mount Mary, where she received her teaching degree.

Mary was married to Curtis P. Braun in 1953 at St. Joseph's Church. They were married 48 years before Curtis' death in 2001. Together they had eight children. After the youngest children were in school, Mary went back to teaching, first as a substitute teacher, and then full-time at Sacred Heart Catholic School. She loved teaching and the children she taught.

After retirement, Mary and Curt traveled and spent much of their time with their rapidly growing family. Mary learned to quilt and was determined to gift each of her grandchildren a quilt for their high school graduation. This proved to be a monumental task which she wasn't able to achieve, but the family has some lovely quilts to remember her by.

After Curt's death, Mary volunteered at St. Richard's Catholic Church and did some prison ministry with a group from the parish. She was also a consummate bridge player. One of her favorite lines was, "If you know how to play bridge, you will always have friends."

Surviving are her children: Lisa/Joel Rewald, Eleanor/Jerry Smith, Andrea Worrell, Anthony/Kathy Braun, William/Tracy Braun, Lois/Chris Oddo, Nancy/David McLean, 21 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, her sister Leone Held, daughter-in-law, Cheryl Braun and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by her son Thomas Braun, grandson, Alex Rewald, brothers William and James Held, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and three infant children.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Richard's Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Avenue, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 4:30 pm. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church prior to the Mass 3:30 pm – 4:30pm. Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery Hwy 32

The service will be live streamed and may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OFxM-8qgFY

The family would like to thank the staff at Clement Manor. While they were always professional, they showed great kindness, patience and love to our mother, sister, grandma and friend. We are eternally grateful for the wonderful care Mary received.