Amelia Braha

Born on November 22, 1918 in the town of Gowanda, New York, her parents emigrated from Poland to America at the turn of the century.

After high school, Amelia went to the State University of New York and the University of Buffalo where she received degrees in art and design. After graduating from college, Amelia moved to New York City where she worked for a large textile manufacturing company.

Amelia was a talented artist, and she became the lead designer for the company.

In 1948 Amelia happened by chance to meet Maurice Braha, who had immigrated to the United States after the war, and opened a retail store in Manhattan. Although from different cultural backgrounds, Amelia and Maurice fell in love and were married in 1952. For the next 8 years, Amelia lived in New York City during which time she had 2 sons.

The family moved to San Antonio in 1962 when Maurice bought a group of Mexican movie theaters. Amelia spent her life as a devoted wife and mother.

Known to her friends as Lee, she was a very quiet and gentle soul that lived her life for others with grace and dignity, and she was loving to all animals.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice, and her brothers, Walter, Chester, Benedict and Henry.

Amelia is survived by her son, Jacques Braha and wife, Pamela; son, Steve Braha and wife, Collette; grandchildren, Zachary, Natalie, Elizabeth and Caleb; sisters-in law, Fran Chmiel of Gowanda N.Y. and Etty Fanous of Daytona Beach, FL.; and nephews, Dennis, Henry, Robert and Michael Chmiel of Gowanda N.Y.