Irene Louise Wasner Braun's Obituary
Irene Louise Wasner Braun, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2018 in Escondido, California, at the age of 80. Surrounded by her loving family, Irene left this world as she lived in it—deeply loved and full of grace.
Born on June 20, 1938, in Southgate, California (Los Angeles County), Irene was the beloved daughter of James Arthur Andrew Wasner and Henrietta Louise Truesdell Wasner. She grew up alongside her sister Jean and three half-sisters—Mary, Caroline, and Lorinda. A proud graduate of Phineas Banning High School, class of 1956, Irene would soon embark on the journey of a lifetime.
In May of 1957, Irene met the love of her life, Ronald George Braun. The two were married just months later on July 4, 1957, in a romantic ceremony at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their love story spanned over six decades, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion.
Irene and Ronald were blessed with eight children—Diana, Ronald, Joanne, Derek, Phillip, Vicki, Marie, and Michael—all born between 1958 and 1966. A dedicated mother, Irene was the heart of her family. She immersed herself in the lives of her children, serving as PTA president, team mother, and snack bar manager, always by Ronald’s side as he coached the kids’ sports teams.
Creativity was one of Irene’s many gifts. Though she joked she had "two left feet" when it came to dancing, she was a natural when it came to arts and crafts. She was a master of knitting, sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, and painting. Her handmade creations—knitted tablecloths, doilies, and personalized Christmas stockings for each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild—are treasured family heirlooms. Irene was also an accomplished cook and enjoyed canning jams and jellies, many of which earned ribbons at the Del Mar Fair.
Irene loved the holidays and was known for hosting joyful, welcoming family gatherings. Roses were her favorite flower, and Ronald lovingly planted a rose garden at each home they shared. In 2009, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by publishing her book, It's Almost Time Now, reflecting on the joys and challenges of raising a large, loving family.
Irene was laid to rest in the Garden of Peace at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, following a memorial service attended by family and friends who loved her dearly. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Ronald Braun; her eight children; 21 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
If there is one word that encapsulates Irene’s life, it is love. She loved deeply—her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her friends, and her life. Her legacy of love, kindness, and creativity lives on in all who knew her. She is missed beyond words and remembered always
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