Elizabeth Braith

Braith, Elizabeth Anne OREGON/MADISON On Tuesday, Sept,16, 2008, our family and community said goodbye to a wonderful mother, supportive friend and a generous and loving heart. Elizabeth Anne Braith, age 69, of Madison, came into this world on Feb.17, 1939, in Hatfield, Ark., first born daughter of Durlin and Dorothy (Peacock) Pawlisch. Liz, an Oregon High School graduate, married Thomas R. Braith on July 22, 1961, in Oregon. After many years of dedicated service to the state of Wisconsin, Department of Transportation, and a proud and active member of AFSCME Local Union No. 68, Liz retired to provide loving care for her and Toms parents. As with everything in her life, Liz gave her all and always asked, "What do you need me to do?" She was a strong advocate of education, and was especially proud when her only grandson, Eli, graduated with honors from Oregon High School and is currently attending MSOE (Milwaukee) on a scholarship. Liz was a devoted member of the Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority, an unfailing participant of the Madison Civics Club, and a leader at Oakwood Village East. Liz loved attending the theatre and dining with family and friends. Above all else, Liz loved her family and the time she spent visiting or traveling with them. Highlights of her life included a cruise in 2008 of the Panama Canal with her siblings, a Caribbean vacation with her children, and the organization of a wonderful Alaskan cruise with the entire family. Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Candace (Alex) Leggett of Oregon; son, Christopher (Jacklyn) Braith of Hartford; grandson, Eli Thomas Leggett; brother, Peter (Juanita) Pawlisch; sisters, Susanne (Ronald) Kampstra and Penelope (Dean) Nelson; nieces and nephews, Paul (Trendi) Kamspstra, Kristin (Brian) Potts, Melissa (Wil) Pawlisch-Bailey, and Michael (Amy) Kampstra; great-nieces and nephews, Bradon Kampstra, Kiran and Noemi Potts, and Graham Pawlisch-Bailey, along with many, many friends and extended family. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; her parents; and her infant son, Kevin. A memorial service will be held at HILLCREST BIBLE CHURCH, 752 E. Netherwood Road., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, with the Rev. Fred Schmitt presiding. Inurnment will be at Prairie Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 431 Soden Drive, Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008, and at the church from 10 a. m. until the time of the service on Friday. Please send memorials to any of the following: Alzheimers Assoc. South Central WI Chapter, 517 N. Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53705 (608-232-3400), Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, P.O. Box 1761, Madison, WI 53701 (608-251-1237), Lions Eye Bank of WI, 2302 International Lane, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53704 877-233-2354, ext. 209). Mom, we love you, and we will miss you every day.