Obituary of Carolyn Rosalie Braun
Carolyn Rosalie Braun
June 4, 1935 – May 18, 2024
“She always entered a room smile first.” That’s the best description of our dear mother who passed into glory on May 18, 2024. Smiling, ready to meet a new friend, she lived her life with joy, anticipation and faith in Christ.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 68 years, Harold, her life-long brown-eyed love and best friend. She leaves behind daughters Heather Kingston (Frank), Patricia Alcorn (Bruce), Lori Ritsema (Craig) and son Mark Braun (Pennie) as well as many beloved grandchildren Amy, Colin, Caitlin, Gregory, Rebecca, Emily, David, Sara and Kayla, 24 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Carolyn was predeceased by infant son, Jeffrey.
Born in Saint John in 1935, Carolyn lived with family for her first few years and then lived under the care of the New Brunswick Protestant Orphanage for several years. At the age of 9, she was adopted by Katherine Brown and went to live with her as her daughter, first in Shediac and then in Moncton. These were happy years for Carolyn. After attending Business College, Carolyn worked in various positions including with the T. Eaton Company, Royal Bank and Highfield Baptist Church. She began raising a family with Harold during those years and was happiest when she could be at home with her children. She also enjoyed working alongside Harold in various lay ministries, including the Floating Chapel in Prince Edward Island, during his student pastorate in Berry Mills, NB and as church and school secretaries.
When Harold decided to follow his call into full-time Christian Ministry, Carolyn was right there beside him. She followed him, with their 3 daughters, to Massachusetts where he attended Gordon College. Carolyn divided her time between raising her children and working part-time (including as secretary to 5 different deans at the Divinity School).
Ministry took Carolyn and Harold to several churches in New Brunswick, Ontario and Massachusetts. It was while serving in one church in New Brunswick that a little boy named Mark came into their lives and became their son and brother to three sisters. Their family was now complete. Carolyn made many friends over the years and discovered her gifts of hospitality and teaching. She loved being a pastor’s wife and greeted everyone with a smile. Often times, even in later years, she would pick up the phone and call someone who was lonely or hurting to share words of encouragement
and usually a laugh or two. She also loved her ladies’ groups and has many fond memories of them. Ministry means moving and, although always ready for a new adventure, Carolyn found it very hard to move away from her children and grandchildren. The family made every effort to connect whenever possible, and her love for all of them was always evident.
In the last number of years of their ministry together, Carolyn accompanied Harold on short term
missions all over the world – Asia, Europe, North and South America, Central America, the Middle East – during which times Carolyn used her gift of teaching women about the love of Christ. Carolyn’s favourite hymn was “Saved by Grace”; she was completely amazed how much God loved her and the salvation he provided for her. She left a legacy to her family of living by faith in Jesus Christ and taught her children from their earliest years until her last breath to always trust God’s heart in all things, to look for and be thankful for the many “bouquets” that God gives us daily. Hers was a life well lived.
With the assistance of Kennebecasis Funeral Home, the family will be holding a private service of farewell. Those who wish to make donations in her memory can do so to Bobby’s Hospice or the Canadian Red Cross. Anyone wishing to send a card of condolence to Harold can send it c/o 8 Phillips Drive, Quispamsis, NB E2E 4T9. Many thanks to the staff of Concorde Hall for their care and support. Thank you to the caregivers at Bobby’s Hospice (with a special shout out to Sandi and Melissa). Thank you as well to Dr. Bridget Tutschka, Dr. Christian Mackin and Dr. Chris O’Brien.
