Anne Ruth Brakman

Anne Ruth Kimsey Brakman Anne Ruth Kimsey Brakman, 89, passed away on July 31, 2026. Born December 28, 1936, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Anne lived a long and full life centered on family, friendship, curiosity, service, and a determination to make things better wherever she could. Anne was the daughter of Willard Rivell Kimsey Jr. and Madeleine Pype Kimsey. She grew up in Teaneck and Hillsdale, New Jersey, and graduated from Westwood High School. She went on to attend Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where she majored in Business Administration. Anne met her future husband, Hallett Brakman, when they were just 13 years old. She later recalled the day in February 1950 when he arrived in her eighth-grade classroom and she immediately remarked to a friend about the cute new boy with auburn hair. They dated as teenagers, became engaged during Anne's senior year at Colby, and married six months after her graduation. Their marriage became the foundation of a life together that took them from New Jersey to Florida, Alaska and Maryland before eventually settling in Ghent, New York. Anne and Hallett raised three children, Amy, Willard, and Carl. Anne worked at various times while raising their family, including as a secretary for Scott, Foresman & Company. Family life eventually took them to Ghent, where Hallett's boating business became a significant part of their lives. Anne later recalled the challenges of combining family life with a business where customers could arrive at almost any time, even interrupting family meals. Some of Anne's fondest memories centered on family gatherings and the water. Vacations at Great Sacandaga Lake brought together children, relatives and friends for boating, kayaking, volleyball, badminton, marshmallow roasts and trips to Sand Island. The family also enjoyed boating on the Hudson River, watching fireworks from the water, and summers spent together in Ghent. Anne was organized, conscientious, independent-minded and rarely reluctant to speak up when she thought something could be improved. She valued honesty, integrity and hard work, qualities she greatly admired in her father. She also remained interested in the larger world throughout her life, following current events and writing to elected officials about issues that concerned her. Animals held a special place in Anne's heart. The Brakman family raised ten puppies for Guiding Eyes, nine of which went on to graduate from the program. Years later, Anne shared her home with various rescue dogs throughout the years after Guiding Eyes. Anne enjoyed travel, reading, flowers, art, music and spending time with friends. Among the trips she particularly remembered were an Alaska trip that included Victoria, Canada, and a 2012 river cruise through the Netherlands, where she especially enjoyed the gardens at Keukenhof. She loved flower gardens, Impressionist art, musicals and country music. Her favorite authors included Nora Roberts, David Baldacci, Mary Higgins Clark and Dick Francis. Her idea of a perfect day was wonderfully uncomplicated: good meals, preferably one shared with good friends, swimming, a nap, a good television show and a good book. She also counted watching toddlers play and holding puppies among the things that made her happy. In her later years, Anne made her home at Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, Florida. Retirement did not diminish her desire to remain involved. She served as Secretary of the Residents Association Board, corresponded with friends and administrators, kept up with current events, learned new technology and devoted considerable time to scanning, identifying and preserving old family photographs and mementos. One of Anne's most meaningful projects was the extensive journal she created for her family. In it, she recorded far more than names and dates. She preserved stories of her parents and grandparents, childhood and school years, marriage and family life, travels, holidays, historic events, favorite things, lessons learned and memories she wanted future generations to know. Looking back on her life, Anne wrote that if she could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be to "slow down on trying to make improvements, and spend more time with my children and my husband." It was a characteristically candid reflection from someone who had spent much of her life looking for ways to make things better. Anne was predeceased by her beloved husband, Hallett Brakman, and her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Brakman. She is survived by her three children, Amy Decker and her husband, Aaron; Willard Brakman and his wife, Christine; and Carl Brakman; and four grandchildren, Alicia Wilcox and her husband, Ben; Joshua Decker; Adam Brakman; and David Brakman. Anne's legacy lives on in the family she loved and in the history she took such care to preserve for them. She leaves behind her stories, her humor, her curiosity, her strong sense of fairness, and an example of remaining interested and engaged with family, friends and the wider world throughout a long life. Perhaps one of her greatest gifts to her family was simply that she made sure their stories would not be forgotten. A Celebration of Life honoring Anne will be held on December 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Anne's memory consider making a donation to the Humane Society or Guiding Eyes for the Blind, reflecting Anne's commitment to providing dogs with loving homes, companionship, and the opportunity to enrich the lives of others.

Anne Ruth Brakman

December 28, 1936 - July 31, 2026