Leona "Fran" Braue

Leona “Fran” Braue, age 83, a longtime resident of Novi, passed away September 23, 2018 in Grand Blanc. She was born on September 13, 1935 in Jackson Heights, New York; daughter of Francis and Lilley (nee Aurelia) Petroff.  Fran was united in marriage to Harold L. Braue on June 15, 1957; they spent 55 loving years together until his death 2012.

Fran earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cornell University.  She worked as a Registered Nurse for a short time before she was married.  Her true joy was taking care of her family; she was a devoted homemaker.  Fran was a proud mother and grandmother; she was always very supportive of her children and grandchildren in everything they did.  A devout Lutheran, she was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church since 1978.  As an active member of the church she volunteered in the nursery, taught Sunday School and enjoyed women’s bible studies.  She had a strong faith and love for God.  Fran was in her element when she was in nature.  She enjoyed walking and being outdoors where she could name any flower along the trail.  Fran was an avid bird watcher, a hobby she shared with her husband, and a member of the Audubon Society.

Fran is survived by her loving children, Cathryn (Frank) Szabo, Keith (Jill) Braue, Craig Braue, and Christopher (Nikole) Braue; her sister Cynthia (David) Sandelands; her grandchildren, Jonathan (KT), Elysha (Phil), Amy, Krystina (Alex), Joel, Emmilynne, Rebecca, Matthew (Karen), and Andrew; and her great grandchildren, Ronan and Vonn.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother.

A Time of Gathering will be held Tuesday September 25, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.  Pastor Christopher Fairbairn from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Northville will officiate the service.  Mrs. Braue will be laid to rest next to her husband at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 201 Elm St., Northville, MI 48167.