Mary Louise Braden

Mary Louise Braden, 93 was born on January 24, 1917 in Providence Rhode Island and has peacefully departed this world on January 21, 2011 to join her husband Dr. Albert Henry Braden, Jr., who predeceased her on Oct. 21, 2000.

She had a full and wonderful life. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island and lived there until the age of 6 then moved to Fitchburg, MA where she lived with her mom, dad, younger sister (Norma) and brother (Denny) for about 5 years. Her mother and father moved the entire family back to Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland (where he was from) and they resided there for 1 year before deciding to move back to the United States as her father?" liked it better over here". Mary Lou used to say she had the hardest time trying to learn Gaelic as taught by the nuns and was glad to come back to the states. Mary Lou was a graduate in 1937 from the College of Mount St. Joseph's in Cincinnati, Ohio.

She met her future husband Dr. Albert Braden Jr. while working at St. Louis City Hospital as the head dietician just after WWII. They fell in love and were blessed with a beautiful marriage of over 53 years, residing in Houston. Mary Lou will be greatly missed by many, especially her five children and their spouses: Dr. Albert Henry Braden III and Maria, Dennis Braden, Dr. Margaret Braden Childers and John, Patrick Braden and Kathy, Paul Braden and Lydia. She also leaves behind her remaining sibling Norma Sharkey from Dayton, Ohio along with 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and her circle of many friends including nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

She had a life-long affection for all kinds of animals and was an avid organic gardener until her late eighties. The entire Braden family wants to extend to both Eula Marie Woods and Rose Mathis immense gratitude for the loving support and care they provided for Mary Lou during this trying time.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 11 .a.m. at the Chapel of St. Basil, located on the campus of St. Thomas University at 3802 Yoakum Blvd. Service to be officiated by the Rev. Patrick Braden, C.S.B. President Emeritus of St. Thomas University. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either C.A.P.S (Citizens for Animal Protection ? 281-497-0591) or to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center (713-681-8433).