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Joan BRAINARD Obituary

BRAINARD, Joan Joan (O'Keefe) Brainard, 72, a lifelong resident of Deep River died suddenly at the Shoreline Clinic on March 24, 2011. Beloved wife of David C. Brainard for the past 53 years. Born in Middletown, daughter of the late John T. and Elizabeth (Bohling) O'Keefe. Joan was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Chester, and was the Cafeteria Manager at the Essex Elementary School for 29 years retiring in 2003. Joan will be lovingly remembered as the "Rock of the Family". In addition to her husband she is survived by her children; Lynn Manken of Griswold, Kathleen Brainard Alexander of Deep River, Alan Brainard of Deep River, John Brainard and his wife Kim of Chester, her loving grandchildren; Paul Manken, Cheryl Butler, Mary Cassidy, Henry Manken, Heather Manken, Michael Manken, Victoria Alexander, Kelly Alexander and one great-grandchild Elizabeth Manken. Joan is also survived by her sister Margaret O'Keefe and her husband David LaFave of Vermont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 48 Middlesex Ave., Chester. Interment will follow at Fountain Hill Cemetery in Deep River. Contributions may be made in Joan's memory to St. Joseph's Church. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Mar. 26, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan BRAINARD

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Stephen Hart

September 21, 2011

truly sorry to hear about your loss. she was a great woman in the years i knew her. I apologize for the lateness of my condolences, but they are heartfelt if a bit late. all the best to your family, you truly deserve it.

Kathy (Hodge) Robinson

April 9, 2011

Dear Lynn and family, I was sad to hear of your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Actually you are in my thoughts often when I tell stories of growing up in Deep River. I hope that you remember me, my maiden name was Kathy Hodge, Alan always said my name as Coffee Hodge. I have such fond memories of spending time with you and your mom always made me feel like one of the family. Again, my thoughts are with you.

April 9, 2011

To Lynn and your family. I hope that you remember me, my maiden name was Kathy Hodge. I remember Alan used to call me Coffee Hodge. I have so many fond memories of time spent with your family. Your mother always made me feel like one of the kids. I am visiting my sister in Connecticut and she told me of your loss. I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathy (Hodge) Robinson, St. Albans, VT

Judith Adamcyk

March 31, 2011

Dear Brainard Family,

I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Joan always had such a cheerful demeanor, and a smile for everyone. Just before we both retired from Essex Elemenary on the same year, I was able to find out her secret to macaroni and tuna salad. As it was, I had planned to make it for Lenten Friday dinner, and had warm thoughts of her. Ironic that I had heard of her passing a few days later. IT is comforting to know that we touch many people in many ways.

cheryl sylvester

March 30, 2011

David and family. Again I am so sorry for your lose. She was so full of life and very organized. My prayers are with all of you.
Sincereley Cheryl Sylvester AAA ALLIED GROUP

Julie Anderson Higbee

March 28, 2011

John,
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. My deepest condolences are with you. You are in my prayers.

Sandy and Renee Alonzo

March 28, 2011

John, Alan and Family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your difficult time.

kenneth mudge

March 28, 2011

hey my dear friend john i'm sorry about you're loss and you and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers i'm here if you need to talk

Beth Ann Carrano Grant

March 28, 2011

Dave, Alan, John, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you all in this tough time. May she rest in peace.

Raji Mulukutla

March 28, 2011

Dear Mr. Brainiard, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Yours, Raji

Barbara Welz (Romanini)

March 28, 2011

So very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. May she rest in peace.

March 28, 2011

We are saddened to hear of Joan's passing, and will miss seeing her walking with Dave in the morning. Our hearts and prayers are with your family. John and Arlene Macmillan

March 27, 2011

John,Kathleen,and family,I was very saddened by the sudden loss of your Mom.Knowing she didn't suffer is a good thing and she is now at peace.Things will be very different,but her memories and great times will keep you going.She wouldn't want you to be sad,but only to keep going.My sincere sympathies Wendy Ackerman

Amy and Dale Winchell

March 26, 2011

The neighborhood won't be the same without Joan. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Betsy Macmillan

March 26, 2011

So sorry John. You, your Dad and family have been in my continued thoughts and prayers.

Jeannette & Fred Strempel

March 26, 2011

To Dave & Family, I am so sorry to hear of Joans passing. She will be greatly missed, Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Denise Heck-Cutler

March 26, 2011

To John and family, my heart broke to hear of Mom Brainard passing away!!!! Your were right, she was a rock and I will miss seeing her if I happen to pass thru deep river and run in to her, I will miss her x-mas cards and I will always remember her sweetness/thoughtfulness. John....remember when we wold have lunch together at whelen everyday and I would steal your snack that mom packed? She decided that she would just start sending another snack in your lunch for me too, she was too funny, or if she knew I was going to stop by she would make like this dense chocolate cake w/ her homemade frosting, always thoughful! If I ran into your mom and dad, I always thougt how cute they were together, so happy and smiley all the time. She will be truly missed for the way she cared about people and her contagious smile and warm heart.

Rosemary Blair

March 26, 2011

All my thoughts and prayers to the Brainard family.

Carolyn Adanti

March 26, 2011

So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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