Barbara E. Branigan

Barbara E. Branigan, 88 Loving matriarch of three generations Barbara E. Branigan, the loving matriarch of three generations, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2016. The native Staten Islander grew up in Westerleigh and met the love of her life, James F. Branigan Jr., in 1945; they were married on Feb. 1, 1948. Mrs. Branigan worked for the Children's Aid Society in New York City before becoming a homemaker. She was an amazing baker and cook, a talent she inherited from her mother, the late Emma LaPenna. Mrs. Branigan created beautiful gingerbread houses during the holidays for her grandchildren to enjoy when they were young. She also was a talented artist and volunteered her time at Snug Harbor Cultural Center years ago. Mrs. Branigan and her husband, James, joined the Staten Island Ballroom Dancers in the late 1960s. Mrs. Branigan was a former president of the organization and in 1982, she was asked to design a pin to be given to each new member of the club. The Branigans had many happy times with their friends from the Ballroom Dancers, and their favorite dance was the Bosanova. Mrs. Branigan was a member of the Sgt. Michael J. Labetti Post Women's Auxiliary. The Branigans traveled the world, visiting Italy, China and Australia, along with cruises to many Caribbean Islands. They enjoyed many winters at their home in The Villages, Fla. Mrs. Branigan's husband, James Jr., passed away in 2011. Mrs. Branigan is survived by her sons, Michael P. Branigan (Marianne), James F. Branigan III (MaryEllen), and five grandchildren, Kelly, Tiffany, Tracy, Heather and Michael Jr., and five great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 14, at Casey Funeral Home, Slosson Avenue, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A private cremation is scheduled