Doris L. Braunhardt

Doris Lucille “Dottie” (Beck) Braunhardt passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, February 27, 2016. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earle, on August 27, 2013. Their devotion, integrity, humor and genuine love for each other were an example to all.

Dottie was born April 2, 1925 in Riverside, CA to Clair and Edna Beck. Dottie’s father, who worked for the U.S. Border Patrol and later the U.S. Post Office, moved his family to Jay, Florida from Kansas and Alabama to assume eventual post master duties. Dottie grew up with three brothers (Clair, Donald and Harry) and two sisters (Eleanor and Betty). Dottie was a majorette in high school and after graduating from Jay High School, she went to work at Eglin Field (now Eglin Air Force Base) near Valparaiso, FL as a records clerk during WWII. Dottie continued to work at Eglin Field after the war, where she met Earle “Brownie” Braunhardt, a U.S. Navy sailor and bandsman stationed at the Pensacola Naval Base, having returned from war in the Pacific.

Dottie and Earle were married on April 10, 1947 in Pensacola, FL, where she lived until joining Earle in London, England, where he served in the Navy Band. After leaving the Navy, Earle and Dottie moved to Ohio, where he attended Miami of Ohio. Dottie gave birth to their first child, Ronald. Upon graduation, Earle and Dottie moved to Rockford, OH, where he taught music, and Dottie gave birth to a second son, Richard. The family moved to Bunnell, FL in 1954, where he taught music, and they moved again when he took the band director position in Sanford, NC in 1956. While in Sanford, Dottie gave birth to a daughter, Judith. They settled in Sanford until 1979.

Throughout their marriage, Dottie managed the home, cared for their children ensuring a safe and happy home, and created an atmosphere that allowed Earle to pursue his love of music and teaching. She was an excellent cook and baker and an exceptional seamstress. After retiring, Dottie and Earle traveled America in their VW camper visiting family, interesting sites and locations, and sending postcards and calling to describe their adventures. Dottie and Earle finally retired to Fort Pierce, FL in 1990 to be near the ocean and their youngest, Judi. They both enjoyed spending the summers in the NC mountains and just being with each other. In 2007, while vacationing in the NC mountains, Dottie suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that would define her last years. In spite of this debilitating injury, she maintained her dignity, sense of humor, and deep love of family. Dottie amazed all with her word scramble prowess and made everyone laugh with her humor, being especially fond of puns. She also amazed the doctors, proving that love and family can turn any situation around.

Doris is survived by her children: Colonel Ronald “RB” Braunhardt (USAF Retired) and wife Sharla of Smithfield, VA, Richard (Rick) Braunhardt, Earle & Dottie’s dedicated and selfless caregiver since 2012, of Fort Pierce, FL, and Judith (Judi) Traynor and husband Joel, also of Fort Pierce, FL. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as two grandchildren: Robyn Westfall of Arizona and Stephanie Brady of Texas, and two great-grandchildren, Jared and Kaylyn Westfall of Arizona.

Memorial contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice in Fort Pierce, FL.

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Graveside and inurnment services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Fort Pierce, FL on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 2:00 pm.