Evelynn Strole Braden

Born on April 14, 1933, in Norfolk, Virginia, De grew up in Petersburg, Virginia, and spent many summers at Camp Appalachia in Covington, Virginia. She attended James Madison University, where in 1954 she attained a B.S. in Biology.

Her love of adventure took her to Kwajalein Atoll, where she taught grade school and met John Robert (Bob) Braden, an Air Force officer. She accepted his proposal in New Orleans after a relatively short but meaningful long-distance relationship.

Their adventures began when they married in Petersburg, VA. Bob’s work with GE and the Air Force took them across the country and around the world. She loved experiencing different cultures while traveling and living abroad. Of all the places they lived—including New York, California, Alabama, Japan, Portugal’s Azores, Rhein-Main, Germany, and Sacramento, CA—she enjoyed Japan the most.

De wore many hats throughout her life: she was a wonderful mother, Boy Scout troop leader, swim instructor, rockhound, early childhood educator and novice painter.

She had a deep love for art and learning, which remained constant throughout her travels. She especially loved the open road, and in her later years, she traveled all around the United States in her RV.

Evelynn is survived by her sister, Milli Butterworth; her eldest daughter, Betsy Ball, and her spouse, Dan Ball; her son, Walter Braden, and his spouse, Donna Burke; her youngest daughter, Janet Braden; several grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

Happy Trails, De.