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Kathleen Braeuninger Obituary

KATHLEEN ANN "KATHY" BRAEUNINGER

FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine—Kathleen Ann "Kathy" Braeuninger, 60, wife of Dean C. Hunter, passed away Wednesday evening, Jan. 9, 2013, at a Presque Isle Healthcare facility, due to complications from cancer. She was born June 13, 1952, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Albert Dale and Kathleen (Armstrong) Braeuninger.

Kathy grew up in Suburban Maryland and spent three years from 1958-1960, traveling through Europe, while her father was stationed in Frankfort, Germany. Kathy graduated from Sherwood High School in 1970, and attended Montgomery College in Rockville, Md., taking courses in Criminal Justice. In 1973, her daughter Virginia "Ginni" was born. Kathy felt that Ginni was her greatest accomplishment, and they were always very close - even attending college together. In 1979, Kathy realized her dream of being a police officer and joined the Police Department in Ocean City, becoming one of the town's first female officers. She was primarily a patrol officer, which she loved. She also headed up the "Noise Unit" and the Community Policing Unit for several summers. She was a trained intoximeter operator for over twenty-five years, and ran hundreds of breath tests. Kathy was the coordinator and member of the OCPD Peer Support Team. She was a desk sergeant for several years towards the end of her career. Kathy was promoted to Police Officer First Class (PFC) in 1991, Sergeant in 1996, and was Acting Lieutenant in the summer of 2000. During her career, she received numerous awards and recognitions for her service. Kathy enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves in 1988. She was activated and deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War in 1991. She served on the security team as a Master-at-Arms for Navy Fleet Hospital 15 out in the middle of the desert, supporting the Marine Forces in the area. She left the reserves in 1996 as a Master-at-Arms First Class. She received numerous awards, recognitions and medals for her service.

Kathy purchased a home in Newark, and loved living in her 1920's farmhouse for twenty-one years! She and her dogs loved walking in the fields and woods every day, no matter the weather. She returned to college and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Salisbury State University in 1996. In 1999, Kathy married Dean Hunter - they had a blast "eloping" to Las Vegas. Kathy retired from OCPD in 2006 after twenty-seven years of service. She was the first female officer to retire from the Department. After her retirement, Kathy, Dean, and her parents moved into her dream house - a lovely Victorian along the river in Fort Fairfield, Maine. Kathy became an active member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where she made many dear friends. She was an avid birdwatcher, and became one of the first members of the "Aroostook Birders". She was a member of the VFW Paul Lockhart Post Number 6187, Fort Fairfield, and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10 in Ocean City. Kathy enjoyed flower gardening, doing genealogy research, and walking with her dogs. She also loved spending time at the family camp in Sinclair, and the family farm in Woodland. In 2007, Kathy became a part-time Victim Witness Advocate with the Aroostook County District Attorney's office - a job that allowed her to combine her experience as a police officer and her background in Psychology to help victims in need. She regretfully resigned from her position when she became ill in 2012.

Kathy was predeceased by her father Albert D. "Dale" Braeuninger; grandparents, Albert and Mary Braeuninger of Philadelphia, Henry and Annie Armstrong of Caribou, Maine.

She is survived by her husband of thirteen years, Dean of Fort Fairfield; her mother, Kathleen E. Braeuninger of Caribou; one daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and Bill Magee of Columbia, Md.; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Amy Braeuninger of Salem, Ore; aunt, Mary Beatty of Scottsdale, Ariz.; several nieces and nephews; as well as her beloved dachshunds, Tyler and Nikki.

Friends may call Sunday, January from 7-9 p.m. at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. The funeral service will be conducted Monday at 11 a.m. at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 166 Main Street, Fort Fairfield, with the Rev. Kevin Kinsey officiating. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held at the VFW Paul Lockhart Post Number 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield, immediately after the funeral service. Interment will take place later in the spring at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Caribou.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Kathy to the St. Paul's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, c/o Gloria Towle, P.O. Box 737, Fort Fairfield, Maine 04742. Envelopes will be available at both the funeral home and church.

Published by The Daily Times on Jan. 12, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dean & Family: Just heard tonight at dance class of Kathy's passing. Arthur and I would like to send you our condolences. We have some wonderful memories at the various balls we attended and at the Thursday night dance class. I remember the last ball we went to and she was so proud to wear her dress that she got married in. She was a wonderful and beautiful woman and will be greatly missed. Our sincerest sympathy. Arthur and Cecile Wood-Presque Isle, Maine

January 17, 2013

I had Kathy in my ballet and ballet exercise classes for many years. She was always a pleasure to teach. I am so sorry to read that she has passed too soon.

January 15, 2013

I'm so sorry for you loss Dean and Ginni and family. I always looked up to Kathy because she always took care of the guys and was a great leader. I'm so glad she got to enjoy Maine in retirement. She will be greatly missed! My prayers are with you.

Kathy McCauley

January 14, 2013

Kathy was one of the nicest people I have the pleasure of serving with. She served with distinction during her time in the Navy. Kathy loved America, her family, her friends, and base ball. I served wth Kathy during her time in the Navy. I enjoyed her friendship. I want to extend my profound sympathy to her family friends.

Bill Wood. USNR (Ret)

January 12, 2013

In these last few all too short years it was our privilege to come to know Kathy and share her enthusiasm for birding and love of the outdoors. Even in the face of setbacks, she was strong and sure and kind - a beacon for the rest of us. She will be greatly missed by many.

Sue & Bob Pinette

January 12, 2013

Kathy was our close neighbor at Sinclair on Long Lake. Her parent's cottage was her love - as well as the birds who flew there. She fought her disease with courage and understood the seriousness of her illness. During my last visit with her she said "good bye" -she wanted to say good bye to everyone, and that was in September of 2012. William {Jack} Babson Jr. MD

William Babson Jr.

January 12, 2013

Dean,Ginni,Rob and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Kathy was a wonderful daughter-in-law. She was always gracious and kind. We had fun at our Thanksgiving and Easter visits in Ocean City and Ft. Fairfield. Kathy was always happy to help you with any project. She researched our geneology and compiled it into a nice book for us. As sick as she was in August, she took us on a walk so we could see a moose. Kathy was strong and brave. I'm grateful that she is not in pain anymore. I will miss her very much. Love, Rose Hunter

Rose Hunter

January 12, 2013

Kathy was like a second mom to me growing up. I will always have lots of good memories. You will be greatly missed.

Lisa Williams-Hyatt

January 12, 2013

Pres and I are so sorry. I will always remember the many talks we shared on the late night shift. You will be missed. Love you, Patsy B. Taylor

Preston & Patsy Taylor

January 11, 2013

Remembering all the good times we shared...30 plus years doesn't seem enough. I will miss talking and laughing with you. Glad you are free from pain, Kath, but will smile always when remembering you and the times we shared. Thinking of Ginni and family, and hope you are at rest and looking down on all of us. Love you and miss you always. Sleep well good friend.

Donna Sandifer

January 11, 2013

Jack & I are saddened for loss of Kathy on earth. Wish we could have been in Maine to say "good bye" & be w/ Dean & family. We will miss her on Long Lake. Hope St Paul's family was helpful.

Annie Laurie Babson

January 11, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked to her of Kathy's passing and please know that my prayers are with the family.

Peggy Strid

January 11, 2013

Sharing a place together way back when I first came to OC, working together, neighbors for over 20 years, and dear friend always...I love you Kathy to the moon and back. I will treasure all the wonderful memories, adventures and be grateful that you are now out of pain and at rest. XOXO

Donna Marshall

January 11, 2013

To Kathys family and friends I send my heartfelt sympathy. Having met Kathy while she worked for the DA's office she was always friendly and willing to help out when ever it was needed and I awlays adimired that about her. Rest in peace Kathy.

Jocelyn

Jocelyn Marquis

January 11, 2013

To all of Kathy's family, I am saddened to learn the news of Kathy's passing. I have enjoyed visiting with her in the Fort these last several years. It was always a pleasure to stop in for tea and a chat. She was a wonderful cousin, but now will no longer suffer. May she rest in peace.

Ben Barr

January 11, 2013

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