Kathleen Ellen BRAUN

1946 - 2017

BRAUN, Kathleen Ellen (nee Ray) died peacefully in her home on July 5, 2017 in Tucson, AZ at the age of 70, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Kathleen is survived by her loving husband, Michael Paul Braun (Tucson, AZ), whom she was married to for 41 years. In addition, she leaves her siblings, James "Walkie" Ray (Newport Beach, CA), Michael D. Ray (Laguna Beach, CA), Roxanne E. Ray (Camarillo, CA) and Gary P. Long (Tustin, CA); and her husband's siblings, David Braun (Port Orchard, WA), Tim Braun (Sequim, WA), Beverly Wade (Louisville, KY) and Beth Hendershot (Martinsville, IN). She is preceded in death by her parents, Hazel M. and James D. Ray. Kathleen was born on December 2, 1946 in Corona Del Mar, California. She graduated from Corona Del Mar High School in 1964 and attended Whittier College, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology in 1968. In 1970, Kathy joined a group of young ladies called "The Anchorettes" to attend dances to help boost the troops' morale. At one such dance at the Long Beach Naval Station, she met her husband, Michael. Michael saw her sitting alone and, on impulse, he asked her to dance. After, they stepped outside to talk. They were married on April 18, 1976 in Spencer, IN. While living in Indiana, she worked briefly as an activity director for a nursing home. They moved to Chimacum, WA in 1980, where Kathy's love of children brought her to work at a daycare center in Port Townsend. Later, she began working at Jefferson County Library where she taught illiterate adults to read. They moved to Tucson, AZ in 1998 but maintained their summer home in Chimacum. She developed an interest in the arts while performing in melodramas at McCormick's Creek State Park, near Spencer, IN. She continued her love of the theater in Washington, lending a behind-the-scenes hand in several plays presented by the Key City Players of Port Townsend. Mike and Kathy also played in several independent films produced in Tucson, which they enjoyed immensely: The Parts left Over, No Way Out, Vote for Zombie, and Ingenious, which starred Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner. Kathy contributed to several worldwide charities and was active in the Academy for Cancer Wellness in Tucson, helping disadvantaged women obtain treatment for breast cancer. She was kindhearted and loved music, travel, people and animals - especially Pugs - and was "owned" by a wonderful pug, Petunia, for 17 years. Kathy was one brave gal and willing to try most everything, including sky diving, gyrocopters and river rafting. She excelled at ping pong. Unbeknown to many, Kathy and Mike were secret motorcyclists and often rode a Harley into town. A service has not yet been arranged but will take place soon in or near Orange County, CA or Chimacum, WA. Once details are finalized, notices will be sent out to invite those who wish to celebrate Kathleen's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to "Hug a Pug" at www.hugapugaz.com. The family would like to thank Arizona Oncology and T.M.C. Hospice Care. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.