Obituaries

Eleanor Braun

Nov 23rd, 2018

Eleanor Jane Braun endured a 4 1/2 -year journey with ovarian cancer which ended with her death on Nov. 23, 2018, in Hyannis, Mass.

She was 72. Born in Austin, Texas, on June 8, 1946, Ms. Braun was proud to be at the head of the line of Baby Boomers. She was at the vanguard of her generation for women’s rights, social justice and federal government service. In her later years she also became active in work with children of incarcerated people.

Ms. Braun lived in numerous places in Texas as a child, and was graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas, Austin. She spent the year between junior and senior years at the London School of Economics before returning to Austin. She then received her JD degree from the University of Texas Law School.

Always interested in government and politics, Ms. Braun began working at the state of Texas, first as assistant director of the Comptroller’s Office, later as cash-flow analyst in the state Treasury under Ann Richards (later Texas governor). Ms. Braun later moved to Washington, D.C., where she was executive director of the nonprofit National Women’s Political Caucus, Director of Human Resources Information Services of the American Red Cross and project manager of information systems security at the U.S Mint. The imperative for social justice in all its forms led her into her lifelong activism. A cradle Episcopalian, Ms. Braun became actively involved in social justice issues at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Vienna, where she guided acolytes as Verger, served on the vestry, established the Peace and Justice working group, and was involved in starting the Alternative Gift Fair. She was closely involved in the Haiti Micah Project, which provided food, clothing, and education for the children of Mirebalais, Haiti. After retirement, she attended the Virginia Theology Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, in order to have a stronger grasp of the theology of social justice. She was involved in bringing to others an awareness of human trafficking 10 years before it became common knowledge.

Ms. Braun moved to the Cape 5 years ago and immediately became a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. As the rector, Libby Gibson, says: “Her leadership skills helped to birth the Amazing Grace summer camp for children whose parents are incarcerated, and she has been a tireless advocate for justice in the years since.” She sat on the board of All Our Children. In Ms. Braun’s exploration of spirituality and social justice, she went on pilgrimage to Iona, a small island now known for its ecumenical support of peace and social justice, with a particular focus on inner city children. She subsequently went two more times, including after she had cancer for 2 years. This was a special place for her, and some of her ashes will be spread there. Ms. Braun is survived by two brothers, David, of San Antonio, Texas, and Robert, of Golden, Colo.; and one sister, Pamela, of Salem, Ore. She was preceded in death by another brother, Donald.

In lieu of flowers, those who would like may contribute to a fund established in her honor for participants in the Amazing Grace Summer Camp for children of incarcerated prisoners. Make checks payable to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 395, Barnstable, MA 02630. Make note in the memo line, “Eleanor Braun education fund.”

Guest Book

Gemma Mathews
#2
Tuesday - Dec 4, 2018 12:00 am

Oh Eleanor I wish I knew you better What a fruitful life Most people couldn’t achieve what you have done in you life. I only knew you as a devoted mother to Harold. RIP wonderful lady

Barbara & Dennis Stack
#1
Monday - Dec 3, 2018 12:00 am

Eleanor was s fine lady & a wonderful neighbor. She only lived next door to us for three years but made a quiet impression with her warm smile, kind and gentle manner & adorable little companion, Harold. So sorry to have had such a short acquaintance. May she Rest In Peace. Condolences to her family.

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