Obituary of Rena Brautigam

Rena Bracewell Brautigam, 90, of Covenant Village in Cromwell, Connecticut, formerly of South Glastonbury, Connecticut and then Pawlet, Vermont, died peacefully but unexpectedly in the company of her loving family in the early morning of May 5, 2014. She is survived by her devoted husband, Hugh (Mike) Brautigam. They were married in 1944 in South Hadley, Massachusetts, where they were childhood playmates. Rena was happiest in the company of her family and friends. She leaves behind her loving children: David, partner Missy; Gretchen, husband Scott; Donald, wife Beth; Karen, husband John; Ann, husband George. She also leaves behind adored grandchildren, August, Noah, Misa, Shana, Noami, Tisha, Nias, Odin, and Jeffrey; and great-grandchildren, Ayla and Parker. Rena also leaves her brother, Starkey Bracewell, and his wife, Patricia. Rena graduated from Mt. Holyoke College in her mother's footsteps. She was a feisty lady and full of life, her calendar always full of lecture dates, concerts to attend, and bridge games. She found particular comfort in her spiritual and social life. Rena was profoundly committed to the church's message of love and social justice. Her view of the world was altered by mid-life visits to Nicaragua, Cuba, and Kenya, as she sought and made human connections with the biblical "least of these." She will remain greatly loved and remembered by her family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 11 a.m. at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury; reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, PO Box 187, South Glastonbury, CT. 06073. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.