Joan Mulford Braun, a pioneer in experiential public education and a dedicated community volunteer, passed away at the age of 87 in Shelburne, Vt., surrounded by her loving family on February 6, 2025. Her impact on the community and beyond has left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Early Life and Career
Born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1937, Joan was the eldest of four children. She attended the Agnes Irwin School in Bryn Mawr, Pa., and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1959. It was during this time that she met and married Theodore E. Braun Jr., embarking on a journey that spanned more than six decades until his passing in 2021.
In 1970, Joan and Ted settled in Charlotte, Vt., where they raised their three sons. Joan’s passion for education led her to join the Charlotte School Board in the early 1970s and pursue a master’s degree in education at the University of Vermont. Her career took a meaningful turn when she became the director of the DUO program at Champlain Valley Union High School in 1978, where she made a significant impact by connecting high school students with mentors in the community.
Life Beyond Retirement
Upon retiring in 1997, Joan dedicated her time to volunteering at the Charlotte Senior Center and the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Burlington, where she and Ted were active members for over 50 years. Her love for travel, nature, and family brought her immense joy, as she explored the world, spent time with her grandchildren, and engaged in outdoor activities that Vermont had to offer.
Joan’s deep connection to the arts and local community was evident in her support for UVM basketball, local theater productions, music events, and the work of talented artists in Burlington. Her move to Shelburne in 2016 opened up new opportunities for friendships and experiences that continued to enrich her life.
Legacy and Family
Joan is survived by her sisters, Margaret Bartholomew and Nancy Burrill, her three sons, Theodore III, Michael, and Stuart, her daughters-in-law, Lori, Sandra, and Colleen, and her adored grandchildren, Isabella, Daniel, Samuel, Lucas, and Grace. Her impact on their lives and the lives of countless others is a testament to her generous spirit and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the world.
A Remembered Life
A service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral Church in Burlington on February 21 at 1 p.m., followed by a reception at the Hotel Champlain. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul and the Charlotte Public Library. Through her work, her kindness, and her commitment to serving others, Joan Mulford Braun leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and community that will be cherished for generations to come.
