Calliope Braun - Obituary

alliope Tsoulias Braun, 76, a resident of Edgewater since 1978, died of a pulmonary embolism Jan. 26 in her sleep in her home. Mrs. Braun was born November 16, 1931, in Washington, D.C., to the late Dimitrios and Chrisanthe Tsoulias who were immigrants from Greece. Mrs. Braun became an accomplished entrepreneur as a teenager, working for and managing several small businesses. She was a central force in building a successful specialty construction company in the 1950s and '60s, designing, building, remodeling and equipping more than 600 restaurants. She also owned and managed several award-winning dining establishments. She was a champion for the disadvantaged and victims of abuse. Known for her dignity, compassion and respect for others, she cared deeply about equality and justice. Though she was shot at and her building destroyed as a result of civil rights rioting in 1968, she was adamant about rebuilding and maintaining her offices in that same neighborhood. She enjoyed traveling with her husband. She was a frequent patron of the Anne Arundel County Public Library, and was self-educated in many disciplines. She was a loving homemaker, creating art and other home furnishings, and was also a culinary artisan. She was an expert seamstress and mastered personal computing as well. She loved to dance and frequently won prizes for her Greek folk dancing. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Telemachos "Mike" John Morfessis. Survivors include her husband of 37 years, Bernhardt J. "Bernie" Braun Jr.; three sons, Peterjohn Morfessis of New Windsor, Dimitrios Morfessis of Rockville and Mark Braun of Bowie; two daughters, Ioanna and Chrisanthe Morfessis of Phoenix, Ariz.; one sister, Panagiota Babbis of Wheaton; and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held immediately following the Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. March 2 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road. Arrangements are by Kalas Funeral Home, Edgewater. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to The Calliope Tsoulias Braun Memorial Fund, Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, 914 Bay Ridge Road, Suite 211, Annapolis, MD 21401.