Obituary of Tina Braceland

Celeste M. “Tina” (Lombardi) Braceland, a woman of family and faith, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Christmas Day. The beloved wife of the late John E. Braceland, she was 85 years old. Tina was born, raised and educated in Newton. She was one of four children born to the late Giuseppe and Gelsomina Lombardi. Tina was a graduate of Newton High School and was Valedictorian of her Senior Class. Tina and John moved to Burlington in 1956 where they raised their 7 children and became very involved in the community of Burlington. The Braceland household was filled with joy and happiness and Tina created many wonderful childhood memories for her own children, as well as children in the neighborhood and her nieces and nephews. Christmas Evening was a special time at the Braceland home with all the Bracelands and their extended family gathering for a family Christmas. This was a tradition that went on for many years. On Halloween all the neighborhood children would save the Braceland home for their last stop, because Tina and John hosted an annual Halloween party and none of the children would want to miss it. She was very involved in her children’s lives as they were growing up school events, brownie leader and sporting events. Tina was not one to sit idle. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and singer in the Liberty Bells. She volunteered at many Red Cross Blood Drives as well as working the polls during town elections. What some people did not know about Tina was that she was an avid swimmer. Tina and John travelled extensively throughout the world the world, and the United States in their mobile home even driving all the way to Alaska! Tina’s faith and family was the center of her life. St. Margaret’s Church was her second family. There wasn’t much that Tina wasn’t involved in at the church. She was the Parish Secretary for 34 years. She was a Eucharistic Minister and was a Cantor at the Children’s Mass. During her years with Father John Crispo Tina was part of the “Breakfast Group” that went to Bickfords every Sunday after the 7:30 Mass. Tina was always thinking of others. On her own she began what is now fondly called the “shut-in list”. This was an ever changing list of people who could not attend church or get out of their homes due to health reasons or age. Tina never forgot those people and would send them a copy of the weekly bulletin or other notes of remembrance. You were one of the lucky ones if you received a card from Tina on a birthday, for an illness or if there was a death in your family. She never forgot to remember you with a prayer. Tina will be remembered as a kind, warm and loving woman who leaves a legacy of family and faith. Tina was the beloved wife of the late John E. Braceland. Loving mother of Cheryl Passanisi & her husband Rick of Agawam, Gail Sarto & her husband Paul of Fleming Island, FL, John E. Braceland, II & his wife Marcia of Woburn, Timothy Braceland & his wife Connie of Waltham, Nancy Colombo & her husband Joseph of Burlington, Pamela Barrand & her husband Chris of Australia and Sharon Caserta & her husband Chris of Yulee, FL. Sister of the late Alfred, Antonio & Michael Lombardi. Proud grandmother of Billy, Deanna, Katy, Maria, Ricky, Tina, Steve, Matthew, Chandra, Sarah, Stephanie, Andrea, Grace, Italia, Eli & John . Great grandmother of Bryce. Mother-in-law of the late Susan Braceland. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. In memory of Tina & her husband John a scholarship fund has been set up for a student graduating from St. Margaret’s Religious Education Program, The John & Tina Braceland Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Salem Five Bank, 36 Cambridge St., Burlington, MA 01803. Family Remembrance by Tim We gather today to celebrate a life well lived of a woman who touched us all as Mom, Nana, Tina, or Celeste. Eighty five years of moments that filled the heart, touched the soul and brought forth tears of both tragedy and joy. A complete life in every sense of the word. Born in 1930 her childhood years consisted of the great depression followed by World War II. Two of her brothers died as small children. Hard work, sacrifice and struggle defined her youth. Lessons were learned and burnt deep into the psyche. Faith and family became the cornerstones of all she was and would become. She spoke Italian before she learned English and worked hard to graduate Newton High School in 1947 at the head of her class. She received a full scholarship to William and Mary College including room and board but didn’t go because she was needed at home. Back then the concept of educating women was still new and uncommon. She married her childhood sweetheart in 1952 and started a family. They soon outgrew the apartment on Pearl Street and bought a three bedroom ranch in a small town no one had ever heard of called Burlington. A new development surrounded by farmland for which they paid the outrageous price of $13,500. The house soon became a home filled with chaos, noise, and pandemonium, but always protected with love and the lord. Try and imagine a woman in her mid-thirties with seven children none of whom are yet teenagers with one bathroom, one phone, and one automobile. The place was crawling with kids, half of whom didn’t even live there. When overwhelmed which was often she would say “Blessed Mother give me patience”. Despite her small size of 4’10” mom was a force to be reckoned with. She had three weapons at her disposal. The first was the cow bell. No matter where you were or what you were doing the cow bell meant get home right away or else. The second was the Zitsee pinch. I still don’t know what Zitsee means but trust me you do not want one. They were either delivered on the back of the arm or leg and man did they sting. When all else failed the final weapon was six simple words; “wait until your father gets home”. Jack, as he was called was the glue that kept everything together. They shared a magic based upon unconditional love, mutual respect, and an unbending faith in god. Their love had a glow to it that was deep and genuine. The kind of love that was so big they could share it with others and give it away freely without losing any. You could sense it and it felt warm. No matter how far apart in physical space they were always one. Their common strength allowed them to complete their separate tasks. Mom not only ran the homestead but found time to give back to both the church and the community. Her adult life was dedicated to those less fortunate. She was involved in everything from the United Way, to the Red Cross, to the local food pantry, but most importantly right here at St Margaret’s. She spent many years on this very altar singing hymns, reading the word of the lord, and giving out communion. She prepared the church bulletin each week, practiced her organ playing, and looked forward to Sunday morning breakfast with Fr. Crispo. Giving back wasn’t a chore or something to be done for praise or recognition. She saw it as a privilege. God had given her many blessings and it was an honor to share those blessings with other human beings. It really was that simple. We lost dad way too young but his influence and presence remained with mom. So did his white hard hat which lasted another twenty years in the back of mom’s Mercury Grand Marquis. The family has grown to include sixteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. How many people can say they have seven children and all of them are happily married? Nana’s legacy of love and faith has deep roots. She always implored us to keep the family together through prayer and her monthly family emails she calls “Celestial notes”. It was perfect that mom passed away on Christmas day. The greatest gift we could ever receive is knowing she is no longer in pain and reunited with dad where she belongs. There is no dress code in heaven so Nana can wear moo moos for all eternity. Doesn’t knowing that make us a just a little ”J”? Mom, We love you, we will miss you, we will remember you, and we will honor your example. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see god”.