Madelyn R. Brafford
June 25, 2016
Madelyn (“Candy”) Brafford, age 71 of Johnston, IA passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 25, 2016 after a five-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She will be remembered most for her sweetness (which is why her brother Russ nicknamed her “Candy”) and her loving, caring, giving life.
Candy was born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 29, 1945 to the late Anne and Russell Halbert but spent most of her life in the Des Moines area. Her life was devoted to her family and friends. She met her husband of 51 years, John E. Brafford, in 7th grade at All Saints School, where John says it was love at first sight. They built a life centered around their family, which includes five children: Johnny (49) (married to Jennifer), Peter (48) (married to Sydnee Miller), Anne (45) (married to Daniel Sasse), Mikey (37) (married to Eve), and Eddie (35) (married to Kristin). She also has 3 grand-children, whom she adored: Lulu (4), Ivy (2), and Madelyn (1) (her namesake). Another grandchild is due to arrive in July, whom Candy was so hoping to meet.
Candy’s family has declared her the best mom, wife, and mother-in-law in the history of the universe. She had a unique talent for helping her children discover and become their best selves. This special talent was not limited to her own children, but extended broadly. Her in-laws say she also made them feel special and welcome. Her sisters, Mimi Downing, Miriam Armintrout, and Suzanne Bosilevac (a cousin who was like a sister), were among her best friends. Many other family and friends were touched by Candy’s life.
Candy attended All Saints School and St. Joseph’s Academy high school where she loved being part of the Stepperette Drill Team. She was a long-time member of All Saints parish, where many will remember her coordinating a spectacular haunted house fundraiser for many years. Most also will remember her smiling face greeting them at Brafford’s Lemonade stand at the Iowa State Fair for decades. She loved to collect a wide variety of items, including antiques, teddy bears, anything that made her or others smile, and anything that reminded her of people she loved.
The Brafford family welcomes everyone whose life was touched by Candy to attend the memorial service and funeral. A prayer and memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. The visitation will be 6:00-8:00 pm. At 7:00 pm, there will be a short prayer service followed by a sharing of memories. We hope those whose lives were touched by her will consider sharing a few words and stories. The funeral will be on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at All Saints church at 10:30 am followed by a lunch in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in her name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (pulmonaryfibrosis.org).
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
patti heller
06/30/2016
To Uncle John and cousins John, Pete, Anne, Mike and Eddy sorry to here about Aunt Candy she was all ways so sweet and fun to be around and I know she love you guy so very much you are prayer and thought are with you love the Heller Family
Mrs. Williams
06/30/2016
Please except my sincere condolences of your families loss of Mrs. Madelyn R. Brafford. May the promise found in God's word at John 5:28,29 bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time of grief.
Mike & Marlene Emery
06/30/2016
So Sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Loney
06/29/2016
The memories I have of your family have been and always will be very special to me. Candy was always such a sweetie. I loved her cooking. I hope all of you find comfort knowing she is at peace. It's hard to say goodbye..... my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Brenda
david m croy
06/29/2016
john and family, so sorry to hear of your loss.our thoughts and prayers are with you
Russ & Sharon Halbert
06/29/2016
John & family, we send our heartfelt sympathy to each and ever one of you. She was a great individual who will be missed and remembered by many. Russ, also lost a sister, and know that has been felt by all here.
Barbara Gaffney Renda
06/28/2016
I have great memories of Candy from high school. She was such a sweet person and will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Dan and Barb Renda
Annie & Fred Katz
06/28/2016
Candy will be remembered as the perfect Mother-in-Law to our daughter, Jenny, and the perfect Gramma to our granddaughters, Lulu & Madelyn that we share with her & John. We are sad and heartbroken. Memories of Candy are very special to us and we will miss her. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Brafford Family.
chery mihalovich
06/28/2016
I met candy through our chdren attending all saints. We did a lot of work and had fun ttimes. She was a wonderful loving person. My thoughts and prayers to all of her family.
Jim and Susie Downing
06/28/2016
John and family,
Our hearts are heavy in sharing your loss...Candy was such a sweet person and the world will miss her...may there be comfort in knowing her suffering is over and she is a place that is joyful beyond our comprehension...RIP sweet lady...know you made a difference...
Attanasio (Tony) F. LaVia
06/28/2016
I have fond memories of you both. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
Cindy Fleagle
06/28/2016
Ed- So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Jane Renaud Person
06/28/2016
John and famiiy, so very sorry for your loss. May God grant you comfort and peace in the days to come. She sounded like a wonderful wife, mother and person. You were blessed.
mary mcnerney byrd
06/27/2016
I went to high school with Candy and I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a lovely woman. I remember her special smile and concern and kindness for all her classmates. I am happy I was able to see her at our 50th high school reunion. My prayers and thoughts to all her family.
Lisa Morrissey
06/27/2016
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I remember her while I was attending All Saints School. I will always remember her kindness and her support of the school. May God bring you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.