Priscilla Branthaver

Priscilla Kay Branthaver

August 9, 1949 - April 1,2025

Priscilla Kay Branthaver, a beloved sister, teacher, performer, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 1 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, creativity, and compassion. She was 75.

Born in Sacramento, California, on August 9, 1949, to Esther and Charles Branthaver, Priscilla grew up with her siblings Beth, Charlie, and Amy. She attended El Camino High School in Sacramento before moving to Minneapolis in 1966, where she graduated from West High School and earned a college degree in teaching-her lifelong passion.

Priscilla's dedication to education took her around the world. She spent nearly two decades in Taiwan teaching English as a second language, fostering connections through language, culture, and kindness. Upon returning to the United States, she continued her teaching career in Davis, Sebastopol, and Santa Rosa, California, until her retirement.

In the late 1970s, Priscilla served as a counselor and administrator at Camp Friendship and Camp Sunshine in northern Minnesota, creating safe, joyful spaces for children to learn, grow, and be themselves. She also cherished visits with her Rose cousins-Calvin, Melissa, and Matthew-in Cornell, Michigan, who brought her so much happiness during her time in the Midwest.

Wherever she went, Priscilla brought theater, music, and light. From local community productions to elaborate family performances-costumes and all-she had a gift for engaging audiences, inspiring creativity, and building community. Her flair for fashion, especially scarves and hats, was a reflection of her vibrant personality.

She found spiritual connection and friendship through the Center for Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa, where she was an active member and a joyful voice in the One Heart Choir. Priscilla was also known for her love of dogs, her natural and healthy lifestyle, and her ability to turn everyday moments into celebrations.

Priscilla had many passions: swimming, hiking, thrift shopping, party planning, crafting, language learning, meditation, and above all, connecting deeply with others. She will be remembered for her fish ponds on Valentine's Day, her generous spirit, her love of tea and games, and her unmatched sense of humor-always the family comedian.

Her impact on those around her is immeasurable. She brought wisdom and wit to conversations, joy and magic to gatherings, and unwavering encouragement to everyone she met.

Priscilla is survived by her siblings Beth Branthaver, Charlie Branthaver, and Amy (Branthaver) Rieger, along with a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, fellow performers, and dear friends who will miss her dearly.