Amy Branigin

Amy Weingartner Branigin died August 23, 2012, at her parents' home from complications for treatment of brain cancer. She was born October 6, 1963, in Long Beach, California, the daughter of David Lawrence Weingartner and Carol Morris Weingartner, who survive. She is also survived by a son, Eric Branigin, 11; a brother, Peter J. Weingartner of San Jose, California; a dear friend and former husband John Branigin of Bloomington; and friend William Pratt, whose devotion and humor sustained her during her illness. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Georgia Morris of Crawfordsville. Amy was a graduate of Severn School in Severna Park, Maryland, and St. Mary's College of Southern Maryland, where she studied Art and Design. She made several trips to Europe to study Gothic cathedrals, and used her artistic talents to design her own home and complete many of its interior and exterior design elements herself. She had been employed by American Express Travel in Annapolis, Maryland, as a travel and financial agent; by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington DC as a graphic artist; and, at the time of her illness, by CMS Industries in Bloomington, also as a graphic artist. For several years she volunteered at Bloomington Montessori School, where she compiled and designed the monthly newsletter, as well as the annual yearbook. She had enjoyed spelunking since she was a child, helping her father with his Ph.D. research in cave fauna. For many years she supported Bat Conservation International as well as other environmental causes. She had extensive scientific knowledge of the natural world and a deep love and appreciation for plants and animals, which she shared with children on classroom nature walks. Amy found her greatest fulfillment, however, in being a mother to her son. Her wry sense of humor, her beautiful smile, great curiosity and joy in life will be missed by her family and many friends. An informal open house to celebrate Amy's life will be held October 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the home of her parents, 4410 Inverness Crest, Bloomington. Friends will gather at 3 p.m. to share memories and stories of Amy.

Tributes

Amy Branigin

October 6, 1963 - August 23, 2012