Helen Madison Obituary

Helen Graham Madison ISLE OF PALMS - Helen Graham Madison passed away on December 20, 2013 at Hospice of Charleston in South Carolina at the age of 82, surrounded by her loved ones. A New Year's baby, she was born from first generation Scottish immigrants, William and Jessie Graham, on January 1, 1931 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Graduating from Anacostia High School in Washington, DC in 1949, she then married Leo A. Braconnier. They had four beautiful children; Rene', Douglas, Scott, and Graham. In the Air Force, they traveled to Puerto Rico, Germany, and across the United States. They found a home in Hampton, Virginia. Helen worked as a teacher's aide at Robert Sugden School and found her passion for teaching children. She became a Kindergarten teacher at Emmanuel Lutheran School. There, she was an active member of the Wythe Presbyterian Church. Helen was re-married in 1978, to Raymond Madison. She retired and moved to Isle of Palms, South Carolina. All those who knew Helen agreed that she was a kid at heart, and would make every day special. She brightened a room with her wit and charm. She loved bringing her family together at the beach, grilling out, having game nights, movies, Stephen King, playing the piano, and making gourmet food with fancy gadgets. Helen, a.k.a. Grandmie, was and is a blessing to us all. Helen is survived by her brother, Robert Graham of Goose Creek, South Carolina; sister, Janice Brown of Silver Spring, Maryland; her daughter Rene' and husband, Steven Souther of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; sons, Douglas Braconnier of Isle of Palms, South Carolina, and Scott Braconnier and wife, Tara, of Carrollton, Texas; her grandchildren, Ashley and wife, Aiko Souther, Kimberly and husband, Andy Westergaard, Samuel Souther, and Erin Braconnier; her great-grandchildren, Issa and Sophia Souther, Drew Westergaard, Adrian Nesta Moye and Jude Antoine Moye. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jessie Graham, and her son, Graham Stewart Braconnier. A memorial service will be held at a future date in Hampton, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to Hospice of Charleston, or MUSC. Condolences may be left at www.lowcountryfuneral.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston