Mary Branch

Mary Ann Branch (née Bowlby), a resident of Troy, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on September 21, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of David and Gladys Bowlby. Mary graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1952 and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in mathematics from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1956. While at Lawrence, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, serving as its president from 1955 to 1956. She also pursued graduate studies at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. On June 27, 1959, Mary married Barry Kent Branch, with whom she shared 24 years of marriage before his passing in 1983. Mary taught high school mathematics in Clarkston for six years before beginning an 18-year career with the City of Royal Oak as a Management Analyst and Emergency Management Director. Mary was an avid world traveler, visiting over 50 countries during her lifetime. She was active in numerous organizations, including the Royal Oak Woman's Club, the Royal Oak Historical Society, the Ezra Parker Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Embroidery Guild, and the Nomads Travel Club. She was a skilled crafter, needleworker and knitter, and in later years, served as a "professional cat cuddler" at the Treasure Coast Humane Society. Mary also volunteered at William Beaumont Hospital. Mary cherished time with her children and grandchildren above all. Beloved wife of the late Barry Branch. Loving mother of Elizabeth (Raymond) Speakmon and Evan Branch. Cherished grandmother of Michelle (Michael) Altomonte and John Cutie. Treasured great-grandmother of Marcella and Marina Altomonte. Dear sister of the late Karen West. Please share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com