God called Jelane Olga Bragen, 80, of St. Charles home on December 30, 2020 from NHC Nursing Care Facility of St. Charles. She was born in Enfield, ME. on March 22, 1940 to the late Opal and Mervin Dinsmore. Jelane graduated from Lynn Public School in 1957. She worked in the health care field as an in-home care taker. Jelane married her late husband, Barry (Barch) on September 29, 1962 in Lynn, MA. They made their home in North Reading, MA. where Jelane lived until 2017. Jelane enjoyed visiting with her family in Maine and her wonderful friends. Ms. Bragen is survived by her children, Kimberley Bain and Eric Bragen and her 7 grandchildren. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
Dear Kimberly and Eric, I met your Mom when we were working in Boston. We got very close and starting double dating. My husband Milton and your Dad became good friends. I have so many memories that I would like to share with you. The best one is our friendship. The things we did together. I will always love you two. Fran Exum
Dear Eric and Kimberly:
So sorry to hear about your Mother’s death. Glenn had told me and it brought back so many memories. You probably remember, Kimberly, that I drove you and Glenn to Cozy Corner for a couple of years. When I picked you up in the morning, your Mom would always say come back for coffee, and I always did. I can close my eyes and see the kitchen and the table where we sat. At that time her and Barry were collecting paper weights. I would go in the dining room and look at them. She would explain to me how different each one was – they were all so beautiful.
I am sure Glenn won’t mind if I tell you a story about him. One day before he started at Hood School, for some reason, he announced to us that he was going to run away from home. Bob asked him where he planned to go and he said Harold Parker. We said OK if that is what he really wanted to do. We put his pajamas and tooth brush in a paper bag and off he went down the street. Bob, of course, followed him through the back yards (no fences/pools then). Bob saw him walk down that long drive to your house and came back and told me don’t worry he went to Bragens. Every so often Bob would jokingly suggest he might want to run away from home, again.
Jelane was a very special friend to me at a time when we were both Mothers of young children. I will always remember her fondly and wish I could give you each a hug.
Love, Mary-Frances Sawyer