Beloved wife, mother, “nana” and friend passed away peacefully after a very short but aggressive form of lung cancer. Loved ones were able to be with her in the hospital her last 48 hours thanks to Mission Hospital!
Irene was born in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1934 and enjoyed summers in Wildwood at her grandparents New Jersey Shore summer home. As an only child, she received lots of love and attention from her mom, grandparents, and lots of aunts and uncles.
Irene and her mother Irene moved to Toms River, New Jersey and at 15, she was blessed with a caring and loving stepfather Marshall who went on to adopt her. Irene worked for the AT&T telephone company and went on to meet her handsome young sailor Kenneth Braun, who was stationed at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, New Jersey. They were married in December of 1957 and had a full and loving life of 62 ½ years together!
Irene and Ken had 2 daughters who both live nearby, and 5 grandchildren who were the light of her life.
When her daughters were in high school, Irene went into real estate where they were living in Tempe, Arizona. She enjoyed it socially and had great success with it as well.
Irene volunteered and supported “Hacienda de Los Angeles” for handicapped and abused children for many years, and she and Ken hosted a Beach Boys concert to alleviate all of their debt.
Irene and Ken moved back to California in 1995, to a beautiful home on the water in Dana Point to be close to family. They so enjoyed their new beach life and were very involved developing and financially supporting St. Anne School, where all 5 grandchildren attended.
Irene will be missed by so many for all that knew her, loved her. Irene is survived by husband, Kenneth P. Braun, and daughters Wendy Braun, Stacey Sullivan and son-in-law Paul Sullivan along with sister in law, Debbie Bippen, and 5 grandchildren, Jordan Sullivan, Taylor Sullivan, Sloane Braun, Makenzie Braun, and Hunter Braun. All of whom she loved and touched deeply.
A private funeral service will be held by the family in the morning with a Celebration of Life Reception open to all at the Braun residence on Friday, June 19, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to either the Heritage Christian School were Irene was a true believer ina Christian education and was a donor, and where her daughter Wendy has worked for 10 years or The Ocean Institute were Irene believed was a worthy cause.
DONATIONS
Ocean Institute24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, California 92629
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