Constance Leah Braendel

Constance Leah Drysdale Braendel Deceased April 21, 2013 Born on February 5, 1912 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She moved to Detroit, Michigan with her parents and little brother Taylor, where she graduated from Highland Park High School in 1930. She received a B.A. in Education from Wayne State University and did graduate studies in Sociology at the University on Michigan. She married Helmuth Gunther Braendel in June 1936 who predeceased her in 1993. She had five sons, Douglas A. of Everett, PA, Taylor D. of Chester Springs, PA, Gregory G. of Mojave, CA. Ronald W. and Bruce A. both deceased in 1997 and 2010 respectively. Constance had seven grandchildren, Julia, Sarah, Jennifer, Eric, Heike, Eliza and Morgan and fifteen great grandchildren. In 1945 she and her husband Helmuth moved to Paoli and purchased 11 acres on a tiny stream to build their dream house. The little stream was dammed to make a large lake so their five sons and all of the neighbors had a place to gather and swim on hot summer days. For many years in the 1950's the American Red Cross conducted their "Learn to Swim" program at the lake where many of the young children at the time learned to swim. In the 1940's Constance worked as a Grey Lady Volunteer at the Valley Forge Army Hospital to help World War II veterans as they returned from the war. Though the 50's, 60's and 70's she continued her volunteer work as a charter member of the Trading Post now located in Daylesford, Camp Fire Girls Leader, Board Member of the Emeryville State Hospital, Chairman, Volunteer Services Upper Main Line Branch of the American Red Cross, Superintendent, St. Peters Church in the Great Valley Sunday School, American Red Cross Disaster Relief Volunteer, working many weeks in New Orleans and West Virginia to help flood disaster victims. With her five sons grown at the age of 60 when most folks think of retiring Constance went to work full time as a Social Worker at the Coatesville Veterans Hospital. She retired 20 years later in 1994 at the age of 80. After retiring Constance continued her volunteer work. Her whole life was devoted to raising 5 boys as well as helping as many people as she could with her never ending energy to support those in need. In the following years while enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren she was finally able to take some time for herself by traveling the world over on many cruises and adventures. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Constance's life celebration service on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 4pm at Saint Peter's Church in the Great Valley 2475 St Peter's Road Malvern, PA 19355 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Multiple Sclerosis Association of America 706 Haddonfield Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 or Saint Peter's Church in the Great Valley www.maugergivnish.com