Mary Bratton: “Playful and Spirit Filled”

This article originally appeared in the May 2010  issue of The Epigram

By Joan Perkins

Prayer advocate, community builder, creative thinker, and bonne vivante, Mary Bratton brought a dose of humor and faith to my life. She could temper a too serious mood with her outrageousness, and calm a fearful heart with her deep trust in a loving God who embraced all. She was ever a reminder of the goodness of life by telling friends of her love, noting the positive, enjoying food and drink, and gathering people to celebrate.

Mary was a member of a simplicity circle that grew out of a Epiphany formation event about seven years ago. Through our monthly dinner meetings, Mary brought her gift for seeing a situation with different eyes.

Living in a three-generation household, Mary could relate well with all ages and she brought that broad perspective to our discussions. During one session about neighborhoods, many of us shared how poorly we felt we knew our neighbors. Mary said she knew everyone who lived on their block of 14 houses. She had made a point of it. With an intense interest in people and a generous heart, she built community, bringing home baked desserts, sending ecards, getting to know her grandchildren’s friends, gifting people with tomatoes and flowers and poems, taking friends for movies and ice cream, and watching pets for neighbors on vacation.

Mary was fun. Her carrot red hair and bright clothing announced that life was for celebration. She sampled foods and shared jokes. At every dinner we shared, she asked for the recipes and wrote down the name of the wine we shared. For this recent Christmas, she requested champagne. And she was smart. Her wide circle of friends and rich work experience in nursing, child care and teaching fueled her thoughtfulness and kept her young. She had passion, compassion, and love, and she will be deeply missed.

Parishioner, Mary Bratton, who passed away in Feb. 2010 wrote frequently for the Epigram and was an active member of the Epigram Committee. Her longtime friend and fellow Epiphanite, Joan Perkins, wrote this article in tribute to Mary.