Gloria A Braman

Shandaken-

    Gloria A. Braman, born on September 27, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 3, 2026, in Margaretville, leaving behind a life marked by devotion, grace, and steady kindness.  She was the daughter of the late Charles and Lydia Phillips and grew up with the poise and determination that would define her throughout her life. Gloria attended Parsons School of Design, where she focused on women’s fashion, and carried with her an appreciation for style, presentation, and the value of doing things well. Those who knew her remembered not only her elegance, but also her warmth and her quiet confidence.

In the 1970s, Gloria became well known in the community through her work behind the front desk of the Phoenicia Library, where her welcoming presence and helpful nature made her a familiar and trusted face. In the early 1980s, she served as office manager for Green Valley Building on Phoenicia’s Main Street, bringing professionalism, organization, and a steady hand to her work as a professional secretary. Her career reflected the same care and attention she brought to every part of her life.

Gloria is perhaps most widely remembered for her many years of service with the Town of Shandaken. For more than three decades, she was the face of the town’s zoning, planning, and building departments, and she earned a reputation for always going the extra mile to help residents achieve their goals. She was a true public servant who always kept the townsfolk in mind. Her kindness, patience, and practical wisdom made a lasting difference to countless people who came through the doors seeking guidance.

Above all, Gloria was kind. She was not kind only in the polite and passing way that so many are, but genuinely kind to the world and all things in it. Long before it became common to speak of such things, she would ask herself, "What would Jesus would do?", and it was her faith that guided her every step. The result was a life of caring, understanding, and empathy for all. Whether she was feeding the birds each day or helping confused visitors at the building department, Gloria consistently put herself in others’ shoes and acted in ways that made things better. Her acts of kindness were often small in appearance, but they registered in the lives of many.

Her family enjoyed the very best of Gloria’s loving nature. She was especially devoted to her husband, Jay Braman Sr., her husband of 72 years, whom she loved deeply. Jay, a rugged country boy who had walked off a Navy destroyer after the Korean War and asked for her hand in marriage, remained the great love of her life. When the changes of New York City reached their home in Spring Valley, Gloria followed Jay to the Shandaken home they shared since 1972, where they built a life together rooted in family, hard work, and mutual devotion.

Before that move, Gloria often looked back on the years in which she raised her children, Mark and Jay Jr., as among the happiest of her life. She was a mother in every sense of the word, and she flourished in the world of 1960s suburbia. She became the unofficial den mother for the neighborhood children who gathered outside the home Jay built for the family on North Highland Avenue. Mark, Jay, and the other children played baseball, football, and basketball in the street, held bicycle races, planned Halloween adventures, and spent long afternoons sitting on the fence telling jokes and wisecracks while listening to a transistor radio tuned to 77 WABC.  But whatever they were doing, it all stopped when Gloria appeared from her front door with a big tray of sandwiches and fruit punch for all. Her smile shined after every “Thanks Mrs. Braman” from the kids between their bites and gulps.

Gloria carried that same hospitality into her life in Shandaken. The family’s spacious ten-acre property, once part of an old golf course, and the little cabin that Jay built himself became a gathering place for extended family and friends. Her sister Edna, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces, were frequent guests, as were members of Jay’s family. All loved the beauty and freedom of the wild Shandaken setting, and all were welcomed by Gloria’s open heart and gracious spirit.

In her later years, Gloria was blessed with her grandchildren, Roscoe and Fletcher, and she played a major role in their care and upbringing. She was deeply loved by both boys, who knew her as a constant source of comfort, laughter, and affection. More sandwiches and fruit punch appeared, along with plenty of ice cream and the same beautiful smile that followed every “thanks, Grammaw.” Her love for them was steady and unmistakable, and her presence will remain part of their lives always.

Gloria was predeceased by her son Mark in 2025, and she now joins her parents in eternal rest. She is survived by her husband, Jay Braman Sr.; her son, Jay Jr.; and her grandchildren, Roscoe and Fletcher. She will be remembered with love by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Gloria A. Braman lived a long and meaningful life, one defined by devotion to family, service to community, and a kindness that touched many. Her memory will remain a blessing to those she leaves behind, and her example will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to share in her life.

     Friends will be received on Wednesday April 8th  from 11am to 12 noon, at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia.  A service to celebrate the life of Gloria will be held at 12 noon with the Rev. Lee Stowe officiating. Burial in the family plot at the Mt. Pleasant Rural Cemetery.  The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Shandaken Memorial United Methodist Church.  You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence with the family on Gloria's Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com

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