Barbara A. Braak

Friday, Mar. 20, 2020

Barbara A. Braak

July 25, 1933 ~ February 26, 2020

Barbara A. Braak, 86, died peacefully February 26 at St. Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Barbara was born July 25, 1933 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Frank and Edna (Loefelholtz) Mikschl. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and from St. Joseph’s School of X-ray Technology in St. Paul. Barbara worked as an X-ray technician in St. Paul and Minneapolis for five years. 

She married Edmund C. Braak September 17, 1955 in St. Paul. They were blessed with five children: William Edmund (Kris), Mary Jean (Kobi), Rita Marie (John), Anne Elizabeth (David) and Carol Therese (Tom); and grandchildren Amber Dera, Ryan Thomas, Jennifer Ann (Zack), Jessica Rose (Ryan), Collin Allen, Shanti Dawn, Michael Edmund and Zachary Alexander; along with great-grandchildren Malcom, Noah and Cormac.

Barbara had a strong interest in art since she was a child. She was member of the Watercolor Society since the 1960s. She taught painting classes and exhibited in many events over the years. Barbara and her late husband, Ed, loved travelling to Europe and made several trips to Italy. They both sketched and painted while on these trips. 

Barbara was a peace activist and dedicated her life to non-violence, peace and justice. She followed the work of lecturer, author and Christian pacifist John Dear. She also loved to be in her garden; this was her tranquil place. She loved her friends unconditionally. Barbara was the spiritual light that paved the way for so many, as everyone she touched was very special to her.

A funeral Mass celebrating Barbara’s life was held February 29 at St. Catherine of Siena Newman Center. Burial was a private ceremony later that day.