This obituary was lovingly written and submitted by the family of Wilma Ann Branchflower.
Wilma Ann Branchflower, 86, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 12th, 2023, in Washington D.C. Born in Cincinnati Ohio. she was the daughter of the late William and Mildred Reising, and sister of Mickey and Mark Reising, both of whom predeceased her.
Wilma was dedicated to her family throughout her life. It was a responsibility that she took very seriously and found great joy in doing. She was a devoted wife to Gilbert Branchflower and was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and the ever-increasing newer crop of great grandchildren. She loved to read and was well known to every librarian within driving distance of her home. She was born in the era of self-reliance, and could cook/bake anything from scratch, possessed full seamstress skills for all clothing needs, and provided on the spot medical services in the home. While raising three children, she earned a bachelor's degree in Education from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, quite an achievement. She returned to work as her children were finishing high school, starting as a secretary at NASA, and eventually retiring as a contract specialist with the Peace Corp, a job that she loved. She was an avid crossword aficionado, enjoyed British dramas and comedies, and delighted in all the fellowship and friendship that she experienced through St Francis of Assisi church throughout the years. She loved and pampered all the dogs owned by herself and by family members. A neighbor once remarked, "In my next life, I'm coming back as Wilma's dog!"
She considered herself lucky to have lived in many interesting places, including Hawaii, Bahamas, Newfoundland, Toronto, and Montreal. A simple write up cannot capture all that was Wilma Branchflower. However, she said it best herself very recently when sharing a moment with a granddaughter; “I’ve lived a one in a million life.” Indeed, she did.
Wilma is survived by her loving husband, Gilbert Branchflower, children she shared with her late former spouse Lawrence Odenthal, Allison (Steve Hale) Odenthal, David (Abby) Odenthal, Alan Odenthal, stepchildren Brenda Cully, Cynthia (Bruce) Alden, Raymond Branchflower, Sheryl (Parviz) Mirsaidi, Laura Pearson, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Wilma and Gilbert were married for 40 years.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Wilma Branchflower to: Ronald McDonald House Charities – Maryland (Recipient Donation Tribute email address: tributewb@proton.me)
A funeral Service will be held at St Francis of Assisi Church in Fulton MD, on Tuesday, January 24th at 10:00am.
8300 Old Columbia Rd,
Fulton, MD 20759
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