Obituary of Joan O. Brainard

Joan (O’Keefe) Brainard, 72, a lifelong resident of Deep River died suddenly at the Shoreline Clinic on March 24, 2011. Beloved wife of David C. Brainard for the past 53 years. Born in Middletown, daughter of the late John T. & Elizabeth (Bohling) O’Keefe. Joan was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Chester, and was the Cafeteria Manager at the Essex Elementary School for 29 years retiring in 2003. Joan will be lovingly remembered as the “Rock of the Family”. In addition to her husband she is survived by her children; Lynn Manken of Griswold, Kathleen Brainard Alexander of Deep River, Alan Brainard of Deep River, John Brainard and his wife Kim of Chester, her loving grandchildren; Paul Manken, Cheryl Butler, Mary Cassidy, Henry Manken, Heather Manken, Michael Manken, Vicoria Alexander, Kelly Alexander and one great grandchild Elizabeth Manken. Joan is also survived by her sister Margaret O’Keefe and her husband David LaFave of Vermont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday March 28th at 11am at St. Joseph’s Church, 48 Middlesex Ave., Chester. Interment will follow at Fountain Hill Cemetery in Deep River. Contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to St. Joseph’s Church. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.