Obituary of MARY KAY BRANCHEAU

Mary K. Brancheau

12/12/1942 - 6/23/2022

    MARY K. BRANCHEAU, age 79 of Placerville, completed her life journey peacefully on June 23, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert H. and Marion E. Baglin, her son Gary J. Finley and the father of her children, James A. Finley Jr. 

    She is survived by her husband John Brancheau of Placerville, sister Elizabeth Stefanich of Fresno CA, daughter Teri Williams (Dean) of Boise ID, granddaughter Sarah Winegeart (Karsten) of Austin TX, grandson Brian Williams of Boise ID, nieces and nephews Beth, Tracy, Eric, Michelle, and Anthony, and numerous friends.

    Mary Kay lived most of her life in Placerville. The Baglin family moved to the area in 1954 to purchase The Quality Shop, a fabric store located on Main St. in downtown Placerville. Mary Kay graduated from El Dorado High School in 1960.  She attended Fresno State College and after marrying and starting a family in southern California, the Finley family moved to Placerville in 1972 to assume ownership of The Quality Shop when Mary Kay’s parents retired. 

    On June 22, 1985 Mary Kay married John Brancheau. The couple recently celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. During their marriage they enjoyed spending time together, with family, and with their pets, as well as gardening, pizza night, movies, and entertaining. 

    Mary Kay loved Placerville and was a vibrant member of the community, earning an AA degree in Gerontology from American River College, volunteering for worthy organizations, and for teaching classes in modeling, finishing, makeup, color analysis, ballet, manners, and senior fitness.

    From 1979-1981 Mary Kay served as the director for the Maid of El Dorado beauty pageant. Many years later she was honored to be named the 2010 El Dorado Rose, a recognition of women over 60 who are longtime Placerville residents that have dedicated their lives to giving back to the community.  At the time she was quoted as saying “The great thing about being a candidate for El Dorado Rose is that it honors the person you have become, not what you aspire to be,” To her family, friends and acquaintances she was an inspirational, positive, loving, and giving person who made us all better for having known her.

    How truly grateful I am to have a Mother who makes saying goodbye so hard. Rest easy in God’s loving arms. I love you my sweet Mother. -Teri