Mary Jean (Hodge) Brauninger made the transition from her earthly life on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the age of 89 years old. She was born on election day in 1936, the eldest child of Benjamin and Dorothy (O'Donnell) Hodge. Mary was married to Buford L. Brauninger from 1961 until his death in 2004. She was also predeceased by her sister Emily Sue (the late, Fred) Christensen as well as all four of Buford's brothers and their wives. Mary is survived by son Mark (Ally) Brauninger and daughter Suzie (Steve) Dardas, six grandchildren – Benjamin, Meagan and Abi Dardas, Maddy (Luke) Meisler, Melody and Corena Brauninger; great granddaughter May Ann Meisler, brother Ben Hodge Jr., honorary brother Mort Kessler, sister Ragini E. Michaels, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mary grew up in Normandy, Missouri. She attended Normandy High School before continuing her education and athletic pursuits at Washington University. Over the years, she enjoyed some very special friendships with those STL pals she met through school.  Mary was an avid learner. She earned her teaching degree from Washington University and later achieved a master's degree in counseling from UMSL. Mary taught in several St. Louis schools in various positions such as PE teacher and health teacher; her last and longest position was in the SSD resource room at Hazelwood Central until her retirement in 2003. In retirement, she was dedicated to tutoring at Bellerive Elementary with OASIS, so enjoying the one-on-one with her young charges as she guided them towards the discovery and enjoyment of reading.

Mary played sports from a young age including baseball, softball, field hockey and basketball. In her early forties she was introduced to dance aerobics at the JCCA taught by Vicki Fenster and during that time was absolutely committed to adding the weekly movement into her schedule.

In retirement Mary attended and later co-led line dancing at the Maryland Heights YMCA. She enjoyed facilitating and attending her AAUW book club, IONS meetings, and looked forward to social gatherings with her dear Rubies group.

It was a treasured gift when Mary led her young family to attend Hope Presbyterian Church (on Ross Road) where her faith grew and thrived; it was here where she made lifelong friends that were incredibly special to her until the very end.

Mary was truly a lover of movement and believed that there was much life to be lived, with so many books to be read, movies to be watched, music and theatrical plays to be experienced, and mysteries of nature to be discovered. She had a lifetime commitment to social justice. She never gave up on her St. Louis Cardinals. Mary enjoyed caring for the flowers and plants that shared her spaces, as well as preparing food for and feeding the guests that she hosted in her home. She appreciated her friends, her family, and her frequently visiting granddog.

Many thanks go out to all of Mary's caregivers who helped her navigate these last years, months, and days – her most treasured caregivers were friends first. Mary's family wishes to express deep gratitude to all those who committed to being helpful, kind, and compassionate during Mary's care.

Mary's celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home located at 12444 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63141. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the memorial service starting at 11 a.m.  A gathering will be held locally immediately following the service for those family and friends who would like to linger together a bit longer.

Should you wish to make a memorial contribution, please donate to a charity of your choice or to Circle of Concern Food Pantry at 112 St. Louis Avenue, Valley Park, MO 63088.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home osfuneralhomes.com