Carin Sue Brania

MADISON -- Carin Sue Brania, age 65, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on April 11, 2009, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.   Carin was born on Sept. 15, 1943, in Chicago, IL, to parents Lee and Esther (Johns) Cooper. She spent her early years growing up in Chicago, and upon completion of High School came to Madison to attend the UW. It was there that she met Jerzy Brania, her future husband and life-long love, at the Union Rathskellar. She graduated with a B.A. in 1964, and a M.S. in Educational Psychology in 1968. Shortly thereafter she began her 30+ year career as a School Psychologist with the Madison Metropolitan School District. Carin and Jerzy were married on Dec. 27, 1969, and made their home in Madison, where they raised their three children, Michael, Robert, and Julie.   Throughout her adult life, Carin applied her intelligence, beauty, generosity, and sense of humor to enrich the lives of all who knew her. As a wife and mother, she gave all of herself, ceaselessly enveloping her husband and children with boundless love and affection. As a grandmother, she delighted in spending time with her beautiful granddaughter Claire. As a School Psychologist, she used her knowledge and talents to help children throughout the district, most notably at Elvehjem Elementary School and Madison East High School. As a community member, she selflessly gave her time and energy to such organizations as the Polish Heritage Club of Madison, Bosom Buddies breast cancer support group, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, and Madison Knitter's Guild.   Carin is survived by her beloved husband, children, granddaughter, daughter-in-law Denise (Cornell), aunt Yetta Dubow, uncle Phil Dubow, nieces Cheryl (Cooper) Schecter and Lori (Cooper) Nevel, nephew Andy Cooper, and many cousins, in-laws, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Phyllis, father-in-law Jan Brania, and mother-in-law Henryka (Slawek) Brania.    A Funeral Service will be held 1:00 PM on Friday, April 17, 2009 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd. in Madison. Internment service will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, presided over by Rabbi Andrea Steinberger.  Please join the family for visitation from 11am to 1pm on Friday, April 13, 2009, In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Memorial donations be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, ww5.komen.org.   The family would like to give special thanks to the wonderful UW Hospital staff. Carin was an amazing individual, and though she will be missed dearly, her light and legacy will live on in the hearts of all she touched.   
                 Cress Funeral & Cremation Service