Alma C. Branche

Alma Craft Branche passed away on Saturday February 27th 2021. She was born in New York City on June 25, 1933. She was adopted by Lucille Richardson Craft and Dr. Robert Johnson Craft and raised in Harlem, NY. She graduated from Rhodes High School and then attended Howard University for several semesters. She then married Dr. Matthew D. Branche Sr. and had two children Daryl and Matthew. She worked for a time as a Secretary and then as a court reporter. She eventually went back to school to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree from The College of New Rochelle. She considered going to law school and obtained a paralegal degree.

Alma was a very accomplished woman who was a licensed esthetician, cosmetologist, aroma therapist, reflexologist, and makeup artist. She excelled in the beauty profession for over 20 years. She then started a jewelry business (Unique Jewelry by Alma), creating one of a kind pieces using semi precious stones. An extremely creative and talented person, Alma was a master at knitting and crocheting, making beautiful Afghan blankets for her loved ones. Alma was a kind and generous soul. She was always giving and doing for others. She especially loved feeding people. Her cooking and baking not only won her several first place prizes in cooking competitions it also won the hearts of all of those around her. Alma loved to sing in her church choir, dance, and swim. She loved music, the arts, and crafting.

Both beautiful on the outside and in Alma was the essence of class. Alma was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother who is survived by her son Matthew D. Branche Jr., her daughter in law Cecelia Allen-Branche, her grandchildren Alma, Barbara, Matthew, Lauren, and Caitlin; and her great grandchildren Shameek, Naysion, Sincere, Raymond, Lennox, Shea, Sebastian, and Landon.

Alma will truly be missed. She left us with a poem from an unknown author:

Thank you whether for A Reason, A season, or A Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,

To aid you through physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON

Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson,

Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,

Whether you were for a reason, a season or a lifetime.