Anne "Lorraine" Brannon

Surrounded by several of her children, our wonderful Mother, Lorraine Brannon, peacefully passed in to Heaven January 7, 2016, at the age of 90 years. She joyfully anticipated returning to her real home to meet her Heavenly Father and reunite with our Dad and much-loved brothers, Jim, Pat and Tony. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at OConnor Funeral Home, 2425 8th Ave N. The funeral service and celebration of life will be on Friday, January 15, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Victory Christian Church, 3220 11th Ave S. Burial will follow the service at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Lorraine, a spirited brunette, was the second daughter born to Joseph Allen and Ann (Wilkinson) Bickerstaff, in Anaconda, Montana. She joined her two red-headed sisters, Levina (Thomas) and Jo Ellen (Mensing). Lorraine was the son her parents never had. As a child she preferred the outdoors, where she learned about plants, geology, and even mechanics from her Father. Her proper, English-born mother, however, was intent on training her to meticulously clean and efficiently run a household. At the age of 16, she caught the eye of a young Irish lad visiting from Iowa, who saw her from across the street and determined that shed be his bride. Although she liked his nice looking smile and handsome eyes, she declined several of his invitations before succumbing to his charm and persistence. She became Mrs. Daniel Thomas Brannon, Sr., within a year. While her husband served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, she lived with his widowed mother and younger siblings in Waterloo, Iowa. There, she learned how to stretch a penny, bake a delicious apple pie and cook in large quantities. Her serious nature was introduced to the fun and frivolity of a large family, and she loved it. Danny returned from the service and they set about raising their own brood. Her selflessness over the next 70 years was truly remarkable. She taught her children to love the Lord, to take care of one another and to help those in need. She was a true example of the Proverbs 31 woman. She always offered a smile and encouragement to all, sprinkled with special prayers for those who struggled. She taught us by her example. While we aspire to be like our Mother, her angels are still a work in progress. Her strongest desires were first, to please the Lord, and second, that all her children and the generations to follow will join her in heaven. She was predeceased by her husband, Daniel Thomas Brannon, Sr., and three sons, James Joseph, Patrick George and Anthony Ignatius Brannon. She leaves behind twelve children: Nina Ballatore, Phil (Gene) Shalz, Daniel (Tom) Brannon, Jr., (Joni), Patricia (Andrew) Gondeiro, Shirley (Michael) Thomson, Catherine (Alan) Frohberg, all of Great Falls, MT, Mary Carroll of Scottsdale, AZ, Ruth (Chico) Benevides of East Helena, MT, Richard (Dick) Brannon of Missoula, MT, Charles (Chris) Brannon of Bloomsburg, PA, Frank (Cindy) Brannon of Berwick, PA, Kerrigan Brannon of Lakeland, FL; plus 52 grandchildren, 89 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. She was a graceful lady with a humble spirit. She will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, please give to a needy child or family of your choice and continue spreading Moms love.