Age 74, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
Passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 6, 2019. Virginia was born to Frank and Victoria (Blaziak) Cox on December 22, 1944 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and attended St. Anthony High School graduating in 1962. She married Maurice (Maury) Braun in 1966 and lived most of her married life in Inver Grove Heights. Virginia took great pride in her role as a homemaker, which included sewing her children’s clothes and teaching others the art of sewing. Besides raising her children, Virginia supported the family landscaping business for many years. With her children grown, Virginia began her employment with the State of Minnesota. Over a twenty-year period, she worked at both Normandale and Inver Hills Community Colleges and as a Purchaser for the Minnesota State Patrol. In addition to her husband of 53 years, Virginia is survived by her daughter, Christine Mattson and son-in law, Erik of Naperville, Illinois; son, Peter Braun of South St. Paul, Minnesota; daughter, Pamela Braun of Woodbury, Minnesota; son, Anthony Braun of Lakeville, Minnesota; and her loving grandchildren, Kimberly, Katie and Kyle Mattson of Naperville, Illinois. She is also survived by her brothers, James (Bonnie) Cox, Jerome Cox, and her sisters, Juliann Daniels, Marjorie (Roger) Danielski, Beverly Cox and Teresa Knothe. She was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Edward. Virginia was an avid reader, gardener, bargain shopper and crafter. Over the years she crafted a multitude of loomed rugs…many were awarded blue ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair. “Granni” loved planting her garden in spring and then picking fruits and vegetables with her grandchildren during the summer. Visitation will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 749 6th Avenue South, South St. Paul on Monday, March 11, 2019 at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dakota Country Library, 199 Wentworth Avenue East, West St. Paul, MN 55118. Heartfelt gratitude from the family goes out to the staff at Saint Therese at St. Odilia and Health Partners Hospice for Virginia’s excellent care.