Hermine M. Branham

Hermine Branham "Oma" 85Rockford Hermine Branham "Oma" 85, died Friday December 30, 2011 at home with her family under the compassionate care of Northern Illinois Hospice and her physician Alvydas Baris of Swedish American Medical Group/Valley. Hermine was born on December 14, 1926 in Enns, Austria to Martina and Georg Prem. In 1954 she married Rudolph Branham from South Carolina who was stationed in Linz, Austria. Because of his army career, they moved frequently per assignment, finally settling in Rockford, Illinois near her daughter and grandchildren. Hermine retired from River Bluff Nursing Home in 1991 after 16 years as a CNA providing love and care to patients. In a surprise turn of events, she and Rudolph returned to Columbia S.C. in 1996 where she lived for 10 years until his death. She then returned to Rockford to live with her daughter. Hermine "OMA" was the best mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and friend. She was loved by all and will be so very greatly missed.Survived by her daughter, Isabella (Alfred H) Schoenbeck of Rockford, grandsons Ronald (Kathy Colby) of Mesa, AZ and Alfred R. (Gina), Great grandkids Isabella Rose, Matthew and Nicholas of Ft. Collins, Co., sisterinlaw Loretta (Everett) Hutto of Elloree SC, brotherinlaw Joseph Branham and Bobby (Sandra) Branham of Lexington SC, various cousins and friends in South Carolina and Austria.Hermines family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Baris and his staff for their dedication above and beyond their requirements for patient care. Also Dr. Scott Ferguson of UW, Pulmonary Clinic. Special thank you also to Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center, especially Debbie Roum and Debbie Johnson. They are the angels that give guidance and support throughout the difficult times.Memorial Service 4:30 Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory (Mulford Chapel) 1860 S. Mulford Road. Visitation from 3 to 4:15 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center 4215 Newburg, Road, Rockford, Il 61108.