Helen Sivald Braun

Braun, Helen Sivald Age 99 of St. Paul, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2021. Preceded in death by first husband, Ralph W. Sivald, and second husband, William K. Braun, and daughter, Peggi (Margaret) Cole. Survived by children: Diane (James) Schoenrock, Joan (Alan) Shorr, Jon (Dianne) Sivald, Mary (Mark) Heberlein, Michael (Deborah) Braun, David (Holly) Braun; grandchildren: Kristina (Alex) Alfonso, Timothy (Mary Chiara) Schoenrock, Sarah (Adam) Nemmers, Shannon Swingle, Patrick (Melissa) Cole, Brian (Lynn) Cole, Katherine (Jason) Houle, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Morgan, Matthew Braun, Eric Braun; great grandchildren: Joaquin and Adriana Alfonso, Elijah and Alaina Nemmers, Aiden and Gavin Cole, Morgan Cole, Monica, Robert, Teresa, Gina Houle, Olivia, Anna, John and Peter Morgan. Helen was born on June 3, 1921 in Slayton, Minnesota. She had an older sister, Aileen, and a younger brother, Charles. After high school, she moved to Minneapolis and completed a secretarial program at the Minnesota School of Business. She was working as a secretary to the Vice President of Grocery Products at Pillsbury Mills Company when she met Ralph Sivald at a USO (United Service Organizations) dance. Helen married Ralph in 1947 and quit working to raise their 4 children (Diane, Joan, Jon, and Mary) in St. Paul. Helen’s volunteer activities included: Brownie and Girls Scouts troop co-leader for eight years and PTA President. Helen and Ralph were founding members of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary church and school. Helen and Ralph were married for 27 years. When Ralph died, Helen started dating another wonderful man; William (Bill) Braun. Bill’s wife had also died earlier that year and they shared in their grief. The relationship grew and soon they became husband and wife at Presentation Catholic Church in 1975. They were surrounded by children from both families. Helen’s family now included Peggi (Margaret), Michael, and David. She raised Michael and David with Bill with the same passion as she did with everything she touched. After the children were on their own, Helen and Bill travelled abroad, later purchased a motor home to travel locally in the United States, then moved to a townhome in Oakdale for spring and summer and wintered in a second home in Naples, Florida. Helen and Bill were married for 29 years. Bill died in 2004. Helen continued to live in the townhome enjoying her many interests of golf, bridge, reading, and socializing until it became isolating. In 2008, she sold the townhome and moved to the Arbors of White Bear, an independent adult apartment. Eventually, Helen moved to the Waters of White Bear Lake and then to an assisted living facility, Keystone Place at LaValle Fields in Hugo. Helen touched many lives and added to a long list of friends everywhere she moved. She had beautiful blue eyes with a smile and exuberance that emanated from within her being. Her loving and optimistic outlook was contagious to all who met her. She truly loved her family and spoke with her daughters and son nearly every day. Helen left us peacefully on the 8th of March 2021. She was looking forward to her 100th birthday celebration on June 3, 2021. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church on June 3rd. A live stream link is listed below. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) in Helen’s name would be appreciated. Please refer to this site for details about Helen’s celebration of life to be announced later. LIVESTREAM LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkJV8Ym2ER8