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Rita H. Branagan
May 12, 2017

Obituary

NATICK: Rita Helen (O’Brien) Branagan, age 89, of Natick, died peacefully Friday morning, May 12, 2017, at Mary Ann Morse Nursing and Rehab Center in Natick. She and her beloved husband, Alfred J. Branagan, were married in 1950.

Born and raised in Natick, she was a daughter of the late John S. and Rose (McCabe) O’Brien. Rita was a graduate of Natick High School. She and Al settled in Holliston shortly after their wedding.

A lady of great faith, Rita was a member of the Women’s Guild at Saint Mary’s Parish while her children were growing. She was employed for over 20 years with Jordan Marsh, a career she enjoyed very much. Family summer vacations were spent on the beach in Manomet. Upon her retirement, Rita and Al moved back to Natick, to Rita’s childhood home.

Rita had many gifts, among them the ability to assist someone in need in a subtle and gracious way. With her fellow food chain members at St. Patrick’s Parish, she helped prepare monthly dinners, prepared sandwiches when needed, and supported food drives for the Pine Street Inn. Rita supported Al quietly behind the scenes during his years as head of the Natick Council for the Blind. She and Al also worked together to collect and refinish furniture that they often sold on consignment in Sturbridge. In many of these cases her stenciling talent became the focal point of the piece.

Rita was a warm and loving lady whose devotion to her family was returned in full measure. Her love of beauty shone through many of her endeavors, particularly in her numerous gardens, sketches, and watercolors. She was kind, generous, and much loved.

She is survived by Al; their children, Paul Branagan and his wife Cathy of Plantsville, CT; Donald Branagan and his wife Karen Blatt Branagan of Newton, James Branagan and his wife Dina of Bourne, and Dianne McDermott and her husband John of Natick; her grandchildren, Jesse, Judah, Elisha, Levi, and Ajia Branagan, Jillian Branagan, Christopher and Matthew McDermott, and Sean Branagan; four great-grandchildren, Roman, Dylan, Jacob, and Aidan; her brother, John O’Brien of Danvers; and several nieces and nephews. Her beloved sister-in-law, Sally O’Brien, also predeceased her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street, Natick, on Wednesday, May 17th at 10:00AM Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will follow at Saint Patrick Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Rita’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Greater New England, 101A First Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451.

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John Everett & Sons Funeral Home
4 Park Street
Natick, MA 01760
508-653-4342