Northbridge/Grafton – Carol A. (Gilligan) Brawn-Bragdon, 74, passed peacefully Wednesday, April 22, 2015 after recent illness.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Hultquist and her husband Brian of Rutland, with whom she had recently lived; three sons, James Brawn Jr. and Robert Brawn, both of Grafton, and Thomas Brawn and his partner Denise White of Walpole; one brother, George Gilligan and his wife Marsha of Grafton; a step-brother, Francis Gilligan of Boston; a step-sister, Jane DeFalco of Naples Fla.; seven grandchildren, Elena and Deanna Hultquist, Stephanie Brawn, Thomas Brawn Jr., Alexia Brawn, Kristin and James Brawn, and also fomer daughters-in-law Heather and Paula Brawn. She was predeceased by her former husbands, Edward Bragdon and James Brawn Sr.
Carol was born Feb. 13, 1941, the daughter of the late George and Dorothy (Elliot) Gilligan, and had lived in Whitinsville, Grafton, and Rutland. Shel attended Worcester South High School, graduated from Grafton High School, the Westborough / Marlborough School of Nursing, and Quinsigamond Community College, and also attended Worcester State College.
She enjoyed a long career in healthcare as a Licensed Practical Nurse and social worker, working 35 years for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation and for 30 years with Alternatives Unlimited in Whitinsville, retiring in 2006.
She was a member of the Mass. Mental Health Nurses Association and a member and volunteer at the Northbridge Senior Center. She was an advocate of human rights, was instrumental in organizing training and work programs at Alternatives Unlimited, was active in the Cub Scouts, was a former president of The Grafton PTA, and a little league baseball coach.
Carol was also dedicated to helping disabled people and was the legal guardian to Richard Morrissette of Northbridge. Among her personal enjoyments were quilting and knitting.
There will be calling hours Momday, April 27, from 5-8 p.m., at the Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton, with a remembrance service at 8 p.m. in the funeral home.
The family suggests you create a memory of Carol with donations made to any organization that offers assistance to the mentally challenged or disabled.
An online book to offer condolences and share memories with her family is available at www.roneyfuneralhome.com.
