Marjorie Ann Braddock

Marjorie Ann "Marjie" Braddock was born on June 27, 1954, in Canton, Ohio, to Walter and Angela Ernst. After a six-year battle with frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease, she has gone to be with the Lord. Marjie was a true firecracker in every sense of the word. Strong-willed, outspoken, and fiercely determined, she stood firm in what she believed and was never one to back down. With Marjie, it was often her way or the highway, and she wouldn't have had it any other way. Marjie lived life on her own terms. She had plenty of opinions, wasn't afraid to share them, and always made sure her presence was known. Love her, disagree with her, or find yourself on the receiving end of one of her opinions, one thing was certain: Marjie was never boring and never easily forgotten. When it came to her children, there was one family debate that may finally be settled: Nathan was Mom's favorite. For years, the siblings suspected it, but Marjie never officially confirmed or denied the allegations. Then, during the last four years of her life, while living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, she began acknowledging what everyone else had apparently known all along. Nathan, congratulations on your long-awaited official recognition. Your siblings may never let you live it down!

Marjie had a deep love for animals, and her pets were never just pets to her-they were her kids. Her home was always full of the sounds and personalities of her beloved cats, and she never went long without at least two dogs by her side. Caring for animals was one of her greatest passions, and the love she had for them was undeniable. She leaves behind her beloved dogs, Chica and Badger, along with her numerous cats, who were cherished members of her family and brought her endless companionship and joy. Marjie was also blessed with a second family in the wonderful people at El Campesino. Though they were not related by blood, Ernesto, Maria, and all the servers welcomed Marjie and Richard as their own. That love extended to her children and grandchildren, too, who were always treated like family whenever they tagged along for a meal. El Campesino was more than a place to eat; it was a place filled with warmth, familiar faces, kindness, and a sense of belonging. Ernesto, Maria, and the entire El Campesino family will forever hold a special place in our hearts. The love they showed our mom and Richard, and the way they welcomed all of us as their own, meant more to our family than words can ever express. We will never forget their kindness, the warmth they shared with us, or the feeling of being surrounded by family whenever we walked through their doors. We are forever grateful to have had them in our lives.

Marjie leaves behind her husband, Richard Braddock; her daughters, Tricia Houghton (Johnny Fernandez) and Rebecca Copeland (Robbie Copeland); her son, Nathan Houghton (Paxton Lindsey); her stepson, Richard Braddock; and her stepdaughter, Debby Braddock Lynn. She is also survived by her brothers, Daniel Ernst (Julianne Lloyd) and Robert Ernst (Stacy Ernst); and her sisters, Carol Decker (Jack Clemens) and Janie Webster. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, each a part of the extended family and the many memories that will continue to keep her spirit alive.Her legacy also lives on through her 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who knew her lovingly as Granny Kitty. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Angela Ernst, and her sons, Eric Houghton and Rodney Houghton II.

Our family would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the hospice center and the incredible team who cared for Marjie and supported us so compassionately throughout her final journey. This special place offers so much more than exceptional care. Its beautiful gardens, peaceful walking paths, and abundant wildlife provide moments of comfort and tranquility, while the bird feeders outside the rooms bring a little joy and a welcome distraction during difficult days. Inside, families are welcomed with freshly brewed coffee, snacks, and thoughtful touches like fresh flowers to brighten their loved one's room, all provided free of charge. These seemingly small gestures mean more than words can express when families are facing some of life's hardest moments. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed, supported, and cared for. We never once felt like a burden. We are blessed beyond words by the compassion, kindness, and exceptional care shown not only to Marjie, but to our entire family. We will forever be grateful for the comfort and peace this incredible team brought us when we needed it most.

In Marjie's honor, our family welcomes donations to the Hospice Care Center that cared for her and supported us so compassionately throughout her final journey. If you feel moved to give in Marjie's memory, financial contributions, snacks for the family kitchenette, or an assortment of bird seed to help keep the feeders filled are wonderful ways to give back. Our family will be forever grateful for the love, compassion, and comfort this incredible team gave to Marjie and to all of us. We hope these gifts will help other families feel that same warmth and care when they need it most. Rest in peace, Marjie. The firecracker has finally laid down her sparklers. You will be loved, remembered, and never forgotten.