Mary Ann Brannan

MaryAnn Brannan, 88, of Athens, Ohio passed away after a brief illness November 18, 2025 in the presence of family.

She was born Mary Ann Gregori on March 6, 1937 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Julius (born Giulio, emigrated from Offida, Marche, Italy to the U.S. in 1921) and Anita Gregori of Kenosha. She graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha and earned an education degree from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. At Whitewater she met the love of her life, James 'Ding' Brannan. They married in 1959 and settled in Cudahy, Wisconsin and began to raise a family.

After moves to Rockford, Illinois and back to Cudahy, they relocated to Bowie, Maryland in 1968. In 1985 they moved to Stuttgart, Germany, returning to Bowie in 1990 after Ding's retirement. While in Germany she was very active in the community, including serving as the President of the German American Women's Club, and they traveled extensively throughout Europe. In 2013 she moved to Athens to be near family.

She was an early childhood educator, teaching preschool at St. Matthews Early Education Center in Bowie. Gifted with a beautiful soprano singing voice, she soloed in many choirs and choral groups over the years, frequently singing 'Ave Maria' at weddings and the National Anthem at her sons' sporting events. She was also an avid bridge player. After returning to the U.S. her travels with Ding continued, including a cruise that crossed through the Panama Canal, repeating a passage he made while in the Navy.

In 2005 she was preceded in death by James T. Brannan, her husband of 45 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents and brothers Domenick and Richard Gregori. She is survived by sons Michael Brannan and wife Jennifer Pease of Indianapolis, Indiana, Daniel Brannan of Cornelius, North Carolina, Robert Brannan and wife Grace of Athens, and Patrick Brannan and wife Emily of Williamstown, Massachusetts. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Janelle Brannan of London, England, Amihan Brannan of Chicago, Illinois, James P. Brannan of North Adams, Massachusetts, and Edward and Jacqueline Brannan of Williamstown.

Interment will be private at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery Crownsville. A Spring 2026 Celebration of Life gathering in Maryland is being planned for relatives and friends, with the date to be announced.   Local arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Lindley Inn.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Works, Inc. in Athens https://good-works.net.