Sally Brakmann [1930-2011]
March 27, 1930 - July 31, 2011
Obituary
Sara "Sally" King Brakmann was known as a gracious "Mississippi lady" by her friends for her generosity to her community and church, and as a loving mother to her children. Brakmann, of Orlando, died Sunday after battling liver cancer. She was 81. She was born March 27, 1930 in Okolona, Miss. She was one of four children.
After graduating with a degree in elementary education from Mississippi University for Women, she moved to Winter Haven where she met her husband, Bud Brakmann. The couple returned to her hometown after he was discharged from the Air Force and married at the First Methodist Church of Okolona. The pair moved to Orlando in 1961.
Former Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick considered Brakmann a "very dear friend" of his and his wife. "[Brakmann] was very active in our community and church," Frederick said. "She was someone of great faith."
Before joining the Cathedral of St. Luke, she served in the Board of Deacons at the First Presbyterian Church. Brakmann also volunteered as a mentor for children and driver for the American Cancer Society, her family said.
Most recently, Brakmann volunteered for IDignity, a Central Florida organization that helps the disadvantaged overcome the obstacles in obtaining personal identification crucial to establishing themselves as self-sufficient residents. Friends on Tuesday remembered Brakmann as being a gracious woman and an excellent host who regularly gave back to the community.
She is survived by husband, Bud Brakmann; daughter Kathy Daniel and her husband Steve Daniel, of Winter Haven; son Ed Brakmann and his wife Kim Brakmann, of Orlando. As well as grandchildren Robert Brakmann Daniel, Sara Elizabeth Brakmann, Charlotte Kate Brakmann, Steven Brakmann Daniel, and Emily Kathryn Daniel.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Cathedral of St. Luke, 130 N. Magnolia Ave.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to IDignity, 424 East Central Blvd., #199, Orlando, FL 32801.
Memories - Michael Dippy
Dear Friends of IDignity,
On Sunday we lost a sweetheart of a woman that seemed to touch every life she encountered. As you may have heard, Sally Brakmann passed away on July 31st. She was the epitome of southern hospitality, always gracious and welcoming. IDignity was blessed to have her serve at nine of our events. Sally used her gifts to make sure all the volunteers had a chance to relax and refresh in the hospitality room. I was particularly impressed by the love she shared with her husband Bud, who served every event with her.
I found a quote about her life that summed it up well: “While Sally had many passions, none compared to her love for her Lord. Her faithful resolve was evident throughout her life as she fought the good fight, finished the race, and now enjoys the sweet fellowship of Heaven.”
Sally’s legacy of service to IDignity continues as she had expressed her desire that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to IDignity. This is obviously one of the most humbling and touching gifts IDignity has yet to receive.
Sincerely,
Michael Dippy
IDignity Director
My Mom, Lu Ann Dippy, was a close friend of Sally’s and wanted to share the following:
Memories - Lu Ann Dippy
Sara "Sally" Brakmann passed away on July 31, 2011, but her sweet spirit will live on in the lives of all who knew her.
I first met Sally when she joined our neighborhood Garden Club many years ago. Our mutual love of flowers made us fast friends. With her beautiful smile and warm heart, she made everyone she met feel special. I thought I was her best friend until I discovered that many, many others felt the same way! She epitomized the picture of a true "southern lady" with her grace, charm and gentle manner.
This precious lady had another side to her, and that was her sense of humor. She loved to laugh, especially at herself. There was a quiet joy about her that was contagious. She and her husband Bud were a real example of what a loving marriage should be. They were helpmates to each other, always showing mutual patience and respect for one another. They were loyal volunteers at IDignity until Sally's health declined.
Sally has left a big hole in many hearts, but she has also left us with wonderful memories and a gratitude for having known her.
Lu Ann Dippy