Augusta ‘Gus’ K. Brannen, 98, formerly of Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2023 at her residence on St. Simons Island, GA. Born on September 19, 1925 in Witcher, WV, she was the daughter of the late Sherman E. and Mary Christine (Spradling) King.
Gus was raised in West Virginia, where she graduated from DuPont High School and attended University of Charleston (formerly Morris Harvey College) while working at Union Carbide Corporation. It was at Union Carbide that she met Michael R. Brannen. After a brief 6-week courtship, she and Mike were married on June 29, 1946. While everyone said the marriage would never work, they were together for 62 years.
As a young girl, Gus was an excellent student and was selected to represent her county in the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe. This award was given to the top scoring 8th grade student in West Virginia history from each county. The winner received a Golden Horseshoe pin. This award is still given to this day.
Shortly after marrying Mike, Augusta converted to Catholicism. She had a deep faith and was a long-time member at St Peter Church in Lewiston NY and St. William Church on St. Simons Island, GA. Gus was an avid golfer and longtime member of Niagara Falls Country Club and Sea Island Golf Club. Amongst her various interests she was also a member of the Tatler Club of Niagara Falls, a consummate bridge player and supporter of various charities and not for profits. Gus also enjoyed singing and was a member of the St James Choir in NJ as well as performing in the musicals for the Basking Ridge Community group.
Gus and Mike were Co-Owners of Niacet Corporation in Niagara Falls. They acquired the business in 1978 at a time when the business was failing. Through their hard work the business was revived. While their efforts were driven by their desire to provide for their family, it was also their hope that employees would also benefit beyond a simple paycheck. Niacet is still operating today.
Above all else Gus, mom, grandma or great-grandma loved her family. Gus raised their four children, supported her 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She never missed a play, dance recital, sporting event, or birthday. If it was important to them, it was important to her. Gus never threw out anything she received from any of them. Her house was a showcase of all their talents, and she was proud of each and every one of them.
Gus summed up her life the best; “We have had our ups and downs, joys and heartaches, but through it all we have kept our faith, tried to contribute to society and be good Americans. God has been good to us, and we try to never forget to thank him for all our blessings.”
Augusta is survived by her children, Mary (Larry) Montani, Kelly (Joanne) Brannen; 15 Grandchildren, Kirsten Brannen, Elizabeth (Chris) Noel, Jesse (Tetan) Brannen, Sarah (Benjamin) Olson, Melissa Brannen, Ashley (Jeremy) Holt, James (Oriana) Montani, Christine (Richard) Cyr, David (Christina) Montani, Rosemary, (Robert) Maurer, Evan Brannen, Stephen (Brittany) Montani, Sicily Brannen, Kayla Brannen, Marlena Brannen and 15 cherished Great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Maralu (Dennis) Craven. In addition to Michael Brannen, her husband of 62 years, Augusta was predeceased by her sons, Patrick Brannen and Michael Brannen III and her siblings, Lewanah (late Pearley) Mullins, Verna Dean (late Tony) Stanley and Sherman E. (late Betty) King Jr.
The family would like to thank all of her caregivers, especially Althea Huston and Loretta Brown, for all their loving support during these past few months.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29 from 4 – 6 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. Augusta’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, September 30 at St. Peter RC Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston NY 14092. All are welcome to attend. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Heart Love and Soul, 939 Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, 14305. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
Visitation
Friday, September 29, 2023
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Mass
Saturday, September 30, 2023
10:00 AM
St Peter RC Church
620 Center Street
Lewiston, NY 14092
All WNY is made possible thanks to coffee and sleep deprivation.
We appreciate your readership. We like money, too.
