BORN:   April 29, 1945
          DIED:  June 25, 2016
LOCATION:   Des Moines, Iowa

Madelyn ("Candy") Brafford, age 71 of Johnston, IA passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 25, 2016 after a five-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She will be remembered most for her sweetness (which is why she was nicknamed "Candy") and her loving, caring, giving life.

Candy was born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 29, 1945 to the late Anne and Russell Halbert but spent most of her life in the Des Moines area. Her life was devoted to her family and friends. She met her husband of 51 years, John E. Brafford, in 7th grade at All Saints School, where John says it was love at first sight. They built a life centered around their family, which includes five children: Johnny (49) (married to Jennifer), Peter (48) (married to Sydnee Miller), Anne (45) (married to Daniel Sasse), Mikey (37) (married to Eve), and Eddie (35) (married to Kristin). She also has 3 grand-children, whom she adored: Lulu (4), Ivy (2), and Madelyn (1) (her namesake). Another grandchild is due to arrive in July, whom Candy was so hoping to meet.

Candy's family has declared her the best mom, wife, and mother-in-law in the history of the universe. She had a unique talent for helping her children discover and become their best selves. This special talent was not limited to her own children, but extended broadly. Her in-laws say she also made them feel special and welcome. Her sisters, Mimi Downing, Miriam Armintrout, and Suzanne Bosilevac (a cousin who was like a sister), were among her best friends. Many other family and friends were touched by Candy's life.

Candy attended All Saints School and St. Joseph's Academy high school where she loved being part of the Stepperette Drill Team. She was a long-time member of All Saints parish, where many will remember her coordinating a spectacular haunted house fundraiser for many years. Most also will remember her smiling face greeting them at Brafford's Lemonade stand at the Iowa State Fair for decades. She loved to collect a wide variety of items, including antiques, teddy bears, anything that made her or others smile, and anything that reminded her of people she loved.

The Brafford family welcomes everyone whose life was touched by Candy to attend the memorial service and funeral. A prayer and memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. The visitation will be 6:00-8:00 pm. At 7:00 pm, there will be a short prayer service followed by a sharing of memories. We hope those whose lives were touched by her will consider sharing a few words and stories. The funeral will be on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at All Saints church at 10:30 am followed by a lunch in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in her name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (pulmonaryfibrosis.org).