Margaret York Branan died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday, May 19th. She was a generous soul who always wanted to be of help to others. Margaret was born October 27, 1934. She grew up in east Texas much loved by her parents and her older brothers George and Lawrence. After receiving a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education from Baylor University, Margaret taught elementary school as a civilian employee on SAC bases in Japan and Morocco. When she returned home to Texas, she met Carl Branan. They had a beautiful 42- year marriage which included traveling the world, living in places from Etowah, Tennessee to Boudouaou, Algeria. They lived in El Paso, TX for almost thirty years. Raising her two daughters, Kay and Ann, was Margaret's primary focus, but she always found time to help anyone in need and to volunteer at her church. Margaret was a life-long Southern Baptist. Her greatest joy was being Nana to her five grandchildren: Katherine, Alex, Richard, Matthew, and Joseph, and her great-grand-daughter Violet. She was also known as Nana to the many International students that Margaret worked with in Illinois, where she moved after Carl's death. She loved spending time with them, providing advice, support, and lots of pumpkin bread. There are men and women all over the world who attribute part of their success to Nana. Margaret returned to El Paso three years ago for the warm weather and the beautiful mountains. Margaret was truly loved and touched many lives. She is survived by her daughter Kay Branan Riley, son-in-law Mark, grandsons Alex (Darya) and Matthew, and great- grand-daughter Violet; as well as by her daughter Ann Branan Horak, son-in-law Charles, and grandchildren Katherine, Richard, and Joseph. The family will hold a private memorial in Ruidoso, New Mexico where Margaret and Carl enjoyed spending time with family at their cabin. Gifts in Margaret's memory can be made to Alzheimer's research, Envision Hospice of El Paso, Baylor University, or any charity that helps those in need, something Margaret loved to do.
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