Kathryn Janet Branch - October 18, 1935 - March 19, 2016

Kathryn Janet Branch died on Saturday, March 19, 2016. “Janet” was born in Boston and always considered herself a true Bostonian. She would remark one day she would return and live in a Brownstone on Newbury Street. In her young twenties, she relocated to Central Florida eventually settling in Winter Park where she met and later married the love of her life (Gary) and began building a family. Always the adventurer the family relocated several times spanning the East Coast of Florida (Vero Beach), Rhode Island and eventually returning to Lakeland Florida. Janet held firm beliefs about family and raising children and was a true hands-on mom. Family meals were the grounding center and core of household life. Shopping, preparing and sharing meals fostered a lifelong love of food within the entire family. She believed if a child is kept busy with worthy pursuits there is less time for trouble and encouraged all of her children to pursue education and success. We often joked when sharing stories with her grandchildren “Gammie isn’t the same woman who raised us.” Being an only child, she treasured watching her children start their families, and her grandchildren were admired and adored. When her “twigs” grew up, she pursued her career. Her illustrious career began with the Department of Labor then (Job Service) in Polk County Florida eventually taking the position of Employment Marketing Specialist. She worked with passion, dedication and enthusiasm providing services for employers in the greater Lakeland area. Many economic leaders and organizations relied on her knowledge, skill and expertise. She served on many public/private initiatives throughout her 21year career and was most proud of her appointment to the Governors (Jeb Bush) Diversity Council. “The Janet Branch Diversity Award was renamed in honor of our first Diversity Advocate. Janet Branch served in that volunteer chapter leadership role for over five years, creating an awareness of diversity in the workplace and providing information on how to make diversity work. She conducted workshops, made presentations at state SHRM conferences and represented the chapter on the Governor’s Diversity Council. Upon her retirement, the Diversity Award was renamed in her honor to recognize her as a diversity pioneer, not only in the Mid-Florida Chapter but also for Polk County. “ Upon retirement, Janet and Gary relocated to Melbourne Beach, Florida. Never idle she (and Gary) immediately began pursuing community interests and found great joy volunteering at the Sebastian Inlet State Park Museum. She loved to play bridge, read, watch tennis and socialize with a unique group of friends she developed through the 16 years she spent “on the beach.” A favorite author and poet Maya Angelou shared the words we so often heard “mom” say: “ I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” She is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years Gary Scott Branch Sr. her daughter Julia Branch Hill (spouse Joel Eugene Hill) sons Gary Scott Branch Jr. (spouse Ellen Marie “Melissa” Branch) and Edward Theodore Branch. She was a devoted grandmother to Kathryn Elizabeth Schiro, Victoria Ashley Branch, Carson Branch Schiro, Gary Scott Branch III, Connor Theodore Schiro, Sean Michael Branch Roman Edward Branch and great-grandson Oliver Scott Branch-Sherrill.