Mary Louise Braney

Mary Louise Braney, of Farmington, Connecticut, passed away August 24, 2025. Born in Fall River, MA, to John Edward Braney and Kathleen Louise (Arsnow) Braney, Mary Louise dedicated her life to caring for others, both professionally and personally. She is survived by her sister, Kay Hughes (husband the late Harold J.T. Hughes Jr.) of Tiverton, RI. She was the favorite aunt to her nieces and nephews: Ann Hughes (husband Paul) of Boston, MA; JT Hughes (wife Michelle) of Westport, MA; John Hughes (wife Jennifer) of Tiverton, RI; Richard Hughes (wife Kim) of Austin, TX; Caroline Hughes of San Francisco, CA; and Jennifer Hughes Sousa (husband Frank) of Providence, RI. She was also a loving great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Mary Louise had an unwavering passion for pediatric nursing, a career she pursued with excellence and dedication. She began her journey at The Children’s Hospital School of Nursing in Boston, MA, where she earned her nursing diploma. She furthered her education with a B.S. in Nursing from Boston College and an M.S. in Community Health Nursing from Boston University. Over the years, she made a profound impact in the field, beginning at her beloved Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Boston, before continuing her career at Children’s Hospital and Health Center in San Diego, CA, Newington Children’s Hospital in Newington, CT, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, CT, and the University of Michigan Hospitals in Ann Arbor, MI. Rising to the role of Vice President of Nursing and Patient Services, she touched countless lives with her expertise, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the care of children.

When Mary Louise was teaching at The Children’s Hospital School of Nursing, the students were asked to vote for their graduation speaker. The choice was narrowed down to Mary Louise or US Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts. The students chose Mary Louise.

Mary Louise was a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics and Red Sox. She had a deep love for her beloved pets, including her golden retriever, La Jolla, named after one of her favorite places.

Mary Louise will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the lasting impact she had on her family, friends, and the countless children she cared for throughout her career. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of her life will be private and planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a children’s hospital or animal rescue organization of your choice.