Kasiana Harisiades Brannian

Kasiana Harisiades BRANNIAN Kasiana was born on March13, 1921 in Manchester, New Hampshire to Greek immigrants Evangelos and Demetra Harisiades. Her family moved to Brooklyn, New York in 1937. After graduating from high school, she went to work for Western Electric as a secretary where she eventually met an engineer and former marine from Bellingham, Washington, James D. Brannian. They married in 1956, and, after two years of living in Manhattan, they relocated to Spokane, Washington. In Spokane, they had two sons, adopted a dog, and immersed themselves in the Greek community, making many life-long friends. They later moved to Vancouver (Washington), Newport Hills, and finally to Mercer Island in 1972; their circle of friends growing wider with each new city. After raising her children, Kasiana returned to work at Pacific Northwest Bell in 1980 and retired in 1986. She was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption and a past member of the Philoptocos society. Kasiana's early years were filled with adversity. Her mother passed when she was just 12, the loss of the family business during the Depression precipitated the move to New York, and her father passed when she was 17. Out of such trying circumstances, a beautiful and gentle soul emerged. Kasiana will be remembered by those who knew her for her grace, her kindness, her bountiful table, and her prodigious talent in the kitchen. She brightened our lives with her love and for that we will be eternally grateful. She was a charming hostess, a faithful friend, and a loving wife and mother. Kasiana passed away peacefully at home in her husband's arms on Monday, March 7, 2011 from complications of Diabetes after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was preceded in death by her beloved brothers Spiro, Alkibiades, and Menelaos, and by her beloved sister Amalia. She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years James D Brannian, son James B Brannian of Seattle, son Mark D Brannian and daughter-in-law Deanna of Portland, Oregon; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family wishes to express our gratitude to Kasiana's caregiver, Helena L. Fakatou, and to her alternate, Korina S. Vakauta. Their advice and expert care enabled us to keep Kasiana at home throughout her long illness. Kasiana's sons are especially thankful for the companionship that they provided for our father. Viewing, Friday, March 18 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Trisagion service at 6:00 p.m., all at Bonney-Watson Funeral Home, 1732 Broadway, Seattle. Funeral Service, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption, 1804 13th Avenue, Seattle. Burial, Evergreen Washelli Cemetery. Flowers are welcome, however, if preferred, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the American Diabetes Association. Sign Kasiana's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.