Obituary of Rose-Maria Braun

Rose-Maria (Marohl) Braun, 91, of Glastonbury, died at home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. Born on March 1, 1933 in Berlin, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Georg Marohl and Charlotte (Schwarz) Marohl.

Rose-Maria was just a child when World War II began and was a young teenager when it ended. The turmoil of those early years; as difficult as they were, shaped her into the caring, passionate, fiercely strong willed, and faith filled woman that she was. She treasured conversations over a good cup of coffee with her family and lifelong friends. She found joy in cooking and baking for her friends and family, gardening, birds, animals and nature. She had the most wonderful imagination; always drawing little characters and making up stories for her children and grandchildren when they were little.

Rose-Maria began her career as a physician’s assistant before meeting the love of her life, Karl Braun. They were married in December of 1960. The following May the young couple emigrated from Germany to the United States and began their life in Glastonbury. Rose-Maria dedicated herself to raising their four children, actively participating in their lives by volunteering as a Cub Scout leader and CCD teacher at St. Dunstan Church for many years. As her children grew, Rose-Maria returned to the medical field, working first as a visiting nurse’s aide and, at age 48 returning to nursing school to earn her degree as an LPN. She then went on to work at the Rocky Hill Veteran’s Hospital for the next eleven years.  

Rose-Maria was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Paul Church in Glastonbury and then later at St. Dunstan Church, when it was established in 1970. She was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a promoter and active member of Our Lady of Calvary Retreat League, and a dedicated volunteer at the House of Bread in Hartford, as well as a hospice volunteer.

In 2014 Rose-Maria was presented the medal of St. Joseph at the Cathedral in Hartford for her outstanding service to God and the parish.

Rose-Maria was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Karl, and four brothers; one of them being her twin. She is survived by her four children: Patti (Braun) Hedges and her husband Tom Hedges, Jeanette (Braun) Thomson and her wife Elisa Marenghi, Gerard Braun, Stephan Braun and his wife Nancy (Clarke) Braun. She also leaves behind twelve wonderful grandchildren and their spouses who were all considered her favorite, and affectionately called her “Omi.” Benjamin Hedges and his wife Jennifer, Ian Hedges and his wife Bridget, Corey Hedges, Lindsey Hedges, Chelsea Thomson, Nicole Thomson, Erika Thomson, Aidan Braun, Colin Braun, Kaitlin Braun, Ana Braun and Spencer Braun. Within the last two years Rose-Maria became a great grandmother to Claire Hedges, Layne Hedges and Tripp Hedges. Rose-Maria is also survived by her two brothers; Jurgen Marohl of Berlin, Germany and Dieter Marohl of Carrollton, Texas as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews both here in the United States and in Germany.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Rose-Maria’s hospice team, and her wonderful caretaker, Christabel, for helping her live out her final months at home in comfort and with dignity.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, June 7, 2024, at St. Dunstan Church, 1345 Manchester Road, Glastonbury. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rose-Maria’s name may be made to Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center, 31 Colton Street, Farmington, CT 06032 (www.ourladyofcalvary.net). For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.