Obituaries

Barbara S. Brannen

Barbara S. Brannen, a resident of Lincoln for over 50 years, died of cancer February 16 at the age of 83.

Brannen grew up in Olympia, Wash., and attended the University of Washington. After moving to Massachusetts with her husband Buz in 1957, she taught home economics in Newton and at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in the 1960s and 70s. Later, she was an award-winning weaver of rugs; she also ran the Grain Exchange Gallery in Boston.

In Lincoln, Brannen served on the Lincoln Cultural Council and as the chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee. Brannen was a great lover of art and music, particularly Italian art and opera. She was a devoted gardener, creating lush vegetable gardens and elegant flower gardens wherever she lived. She and Buz, who celebrated their 60th anniversary last Thanksgiving, traveled extensively, taking countless trips to Italy. Most of all, she enjoyed the beauty of nature and wilderness. She had a special fondness for the coast of Maine, where she and her family sailed and boated for decades.

As well as her husband, Brannen leaves two daughters, Sarah and Jennie; two granddaughters, Katherine and Lizzie; and four sisters. As per her wishes, there will be no memorial service. Donations in her memory may be made to Island Heritage Trust, P.O. Box 42, Deer Isle, ME 04627.

Marilyn Kasputys

Marilyn Kasputuys, 80, an accomplished ice dancer, passed away during the Super Bowl on February 5. When the Patriots came from behind in overtime to win, her children attributed it to their mother’s influence from beyond, as described in this Boston Globe article.