Obituary for Catherine Branaghan

Catherine (Kay) Branaghan, nee McMahon, 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, Columbus, OH on 7/29/15. Catherine was born in Pawtucket, RI and was a long time resident of Lakewood, OH, Freeport, NY and, most recently, Westerville, OH. Catherine was a Registered Nurse and served as an Army Cadet Nurse in WWII. Over the years she worked as a private duty nurse, a school nurse, a Headstart Program nurse and in various hospital settings. Although she retired from her position as a psychiatric nurse at Lakewood Hospital in 1989, she continued her nursing education and kept her license active into her '80s. Catherine was a devout Catholic. She was also a distinguished poet who was best known for her religious poetry.

She is preceded in death (on 5/21/15) by her beloved husband of 69 years , Richard L. Branaghan, Sr., her parents, three sisters, a brother and a granddaughter. She is survived by her six loving children; James Branaghan, Paula (David) Suveges, Patricia Wise, Virginia Janc, Rick (Deb) Branaghan and Russ (Tonya) Branaghan. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her presence in all of our lives will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be at 10;00 a.m. Monday, 8/3/15 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 313 N. State St., Westerville, OH., with Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, 5199 E. Broad St. Columbus,OH 43213, so that they may continue their mission of honoring our elderly.

I ponder that You made me Lord to follow after Thee! And all You ever asked, it seems, is that I would be me I came to doubt that self You made and looked with awe to others Not realizing they were fashioned just to be my brothers For they have qualities sublime, and I know this to be You didn't quite have them in mind, Lord, when You created me A little of me must emit, a bit of them absorb So we'll enhance each other. Is that the idea, Lord?

Kay Branaghan (1989)