BRANNEN, Mary Ann, known by family as ‘Mare the Bear’, went home to the Lord on September 16, 2025, after an 11 month battle with numerous medical conditions. Spending 9 months in the hospital, Mary’s Catholic faith shown throughout her suffering and she was a shining example of Christ’s love to family and friends. 

Born on January 17, 1950, Mary was the 4th oldest of 14 children born to the late John and Estella Brannen. Dear sister of Joe (David), Maria (Terry), Michael (the late Amy), Monica, Regina, Steve (Evelyn), Jim (Pam), Therese (Dennis), Paul (Crystal), and the late Stella, Ceil, Bill and John (survived by Debbie). Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including Stephanie, Chrissy, John, Grant, Matthew, Lisa, Peter, Sarah, Anna, Ashley, Matthew, Anthony, Tiffany, Chrissy, Blake, the late Margo, Maddy, CJ,, Colin, Chloe, Dennis, Katie, Aaron, Adam, Paul, Emily, John, Hallie, Luke, Nathan, Natalie, Christian, and numerous great nieces and nephews. Loyal friend of 44 years to Tammy (Joe) Elsen. Mary held a special bond with her goddaughter Katy Elsen and was best buddies with Samuel Elsen. 

Mary lived her faith daily through recitation of the rosary, divine mercy chaplet, Bible studies, watching EWTN, and participating in the divine will. She shared her faith teaching CCD/PSR classes at St. Clement for 15 years. She was godmother to numerous nieces and nephews and always stood by the Church when teaching children in her care. She grew up watching Bishop Sheen and never wavered ‘with the times’. Mary also shared her love of sports by volunteering for the city of St. Bernard coaching her nieces softball teams. Sunday football games, after Mass of course, were the TV schedule while playing poker with family and friends. Mary loved to do ‘the drive by’. She would drive to her nieces and nephews houses with music blaring and bring treats of cookies and candy just in time to spoil the dinner meal. Even though she spoiled and always defended the kids we adults always knew they were being taught a spiritual growth lesson. Mary was unselfish and always gave everything she had that was needed by anyone. MARY WILL BE MISSED.

Special thank you to the entire staff at Universiry Hospital, especially the neurology department, for all your care throughout these past 11 months. You are all remembered in our hearts. Special thank you to the staff at Hospice of Cincinnati for helping Mary feel comfort the last week of her life on earth. 

Rememberences may be made to Cincinnati Right to Life or Hospice of Cincinnati. 

Visitation will take place at St. Clement Church 4536 Vine St., St. Bernard, Monday, September 21st from 10:00 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM.