Louise Sullivan “Chita” Brawner, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6 at Maplewood Park Place in Bethesda, Md.
Born in Terre Haute, Ind., Chita lived most of her life in the Washington, D.C., area. She graduated from Mount Vernon Seminary in 1950.
In September 1951, she married John Waggaman Brawner, who predeceased her in 1993 after 42 years of marriage and five children.
Chita devoted her life to her family and friends and to the service of others. She cherished her role as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Chita was an avid bridge player and a talented quilter, and she enjoyed playing tennis and golf.
Chita loved her second home in Cape May, N.J., where she spent summers since 1950. Her active social life in Cape May included lively birthday parties featuring creative candle applications. She served as membership chair of the Beach Club of Cape May and was an active member of the Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May.
A life-long Catholic, Chita was a devoted parishioner for over 40 years at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, Md.
Chita devoted much of her time, energy and compassion to charitable work, including the Florence Crittenden Home, Potomac Women’s Club, various Catholic service charities, Nimble Fingers Quilting Guild and the Women’s Board of Columbia Hospital.
Most recently, Chita knitted blankets and hats for children in need through the Beloved Babies Layette Program at Christ Child Society of Washington, D.C. Her generous spirit of service to others has enriched many lives.
Chita is survived by sons John W. “Jay” Brawner (Susan) of Phoenix, Md.; Gerald P. “Jerry” (Terri) of Bethesda, Md; and Thomas W. “Tom” Brawner (Celeste) of Oak Island, N.C.; and her daughter Anne B. Peabody (Richard) of Phoenix, Md. A son, David S. Brawner (Lisa), predeceased her in 2019.
She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Chita was elated to survive the birth on Friday, May 30, of her newest great grandchild.
Her long-time companion, John Breckenridge, predeceased her in 2023.
The family are truly grateful to Rakeb, Yemi and Hallelujah, the private nurses whose dedication, compassion and smiling dispositions brought Chita peace and comfort in her final days.
Chita will be laid to rest next to her late husband at Rock Creek Cemetery in a private graveside service. Joseph Gawler’s Sons is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or at stjude.org.
