Marian Sibyl Braff

Marian (Mell) Braff, 99, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Stoney River Assisted Living facility in Ramsey, MN.

Marian was born June 1, 1925 in Duluth to Sibyl and Oscar Mell. She lived most of her life in the Morningside subdivision of Duluth and attended Washburn Elementary, East Junior High School and Central High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Central is also where she met the love of her life Roger; they married in 1945. They bought her family home and remodeled it from top to bottom, including tearing out the original foundation and replacing it with cement blocks. On the main level the only rooms that remained in the same spot were the kitchen and bathroom, but they were updated as well. Marian lived in that house for 89 years!

Marian worked at UMD for over 25 years and spent her “free” time volunteering among several groups like the Boy Scouts, where she helped her three sons and other scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout. She was also very active at Glen Avon Presbyterian church, where she taught Sunday school and was a Deacon and Elder. She also volunteered at Miller Dwan Hospital for 42 years, and received a congratulatory letter from the White House and President Obama for all her efforts.

Marian is preceded in death by her husband Roger, son Allan, parents and siblings Gordon Mell, Lois Phelps, Lorraine Mell (infant), and Donald Mell. She is survived by her children: Claudia (Louis) Gehrig, Douglas (Becky) Braff, Robert Braff; grandchildren Scott (Sue) Gehrig, Amy (Tom) Riley, Michelle (Gary) Smith, Benjamin Braff, Caleb Braff, Rachel (Christopher) Figueroa Braff and Emily Braff; great grandchildren Jack Riley, Marcella Smith, Katie Riley, Gaven Smith, and Sofia Figueroa.

Services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, 2105 Woodland Ave, Duluth, MN 55803 with visitation at 10:00 AM, funeral service at 11:00AM with burial at Forest Hill Cemetery shortly after.