Barbara L. Branch, age 88, passed away peacefully at home with her family after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Barbara was born in Kingston, NY and married the love of her life, Leo Branch, on July 24, 1955 and remained married for just shy of 66 years. As Leo was in the Navy, they lived and visited several places throughout her life. They have two daughters, Stacy and Karen, and she enjoyed spending time with her family including grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time crafting and always had to keep her hands busy either crocheting, sewing, making baby blankets, quillows, needlepoint, etc.. She made many items over the years for family and friends and also sold items at craft shows and at MacDill Air Force Base. She also enjoyed volunteering at the library with her friend Maxine Roy, starting at Riverhills Elementary and following her to several other schools. Barbara was active at St Catherine's Episcopal Church and volunteered with the junior choir, choir camps, and vacation bible school. She also formed the craft group where members could come together to make and share crafts each week. Barbara also always made a cake each week for the group and soon some came just for coffee, cake and to socialize, even if they didn't make crafts. As the Parkinson's progressed she was unable to attend all the activities she enjoyed. She remained positive and just wanted to be able to stay at home, and through the hard work, love and support of her husband Leo, she was able to do this.
She is predeceased by her parents, Walter and Dorothy Bundy, sister, Dorothy Marie Lehr, mother in law, Ruth Branch, father in law George Branch, brother in law, Wyman Branch, and sister in law Betty Cooley. She is survived by her husband, James Leo Branch, daughter, Stacy Conrad and husband Donald, daughter, Karen Branch, sister, Mary Visone, grandchildren, Joshua Conrad, Christopher Conrad, and Benjamin Conrad, and great grandchildren, Ashlyn Conrad, Dallin Conrad and Collin Conrad, brother in law, George Branch Jr. as well as nieces and nephews.
She will be missed every day by all.
A funeral service will be held July 24, 2021 at 11am at:
St. Catherine's Episcopal Church
502 Druid Hills Road
Temple Terrace, FL 33617
A reception with light snacks will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in memory of Barbara Branch.
