(March 21, 1931 – Nov. 20, 2017)
WATERBURY – Regina (Jean) E. Daly, widow of Dr. Joseph E. Daly, died Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, at her Waterbury home. She had suffered from the effects of cancer and Parkinson’s disease in recent years, but she remained active until the week prior to her death.
She was born March 21, 1931, in Freeland, Pa., to parents who had emigrated from what was then Val di Non, Tirol, Austria. Her parents [Henry Branz 1897-1971 and Erminia Genetti 1896-1971] instilled in her the principles of hard work and thrift, to which she added her characteristic sense of humor. After graduating from high school, she entered a nursing program at Hazelton Hospital in Hazelton, Pa., and graduated in 1951. She later moved to New York City to become head operating room nurse at New York Polyclinic Hospital, where she met her husband, then a surgical resident.
Jean and Joe married on May 23, 1959, and then moved to Waterbury, where he had lived his whole life. He had been widowed six years earlier, and Jean happily took on the job of raising his five children from his first marriage. They then had one daughter together and were able to live to see their six children grow up and give Jean and Joe 21 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. The youngest three great-grandchildren were born this past year, and Jean was delighted by the continued growth of her large family.
Jean loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spent many happy years baby-sitting and traveling for baptisms, first communions, graduations and weddings. She enjoyed doting on all of the children and never forgot a birthday or anniversary. In addition to her love of spending time with her family, Jean enjoyed bridge, bowling and tennis with many dear friends. She volunteered extensively – at her beloved parish, St. Margaret, where she assisted with everything from altar linens to planting flowers, and at St. Margaret School, and for many charitable organizations, including Saint Mary’s Hospital and the Heart Fund. She was a longtime member of St. Margaret Ladies Guild and the Theresians. Very few people could keep up with the pace that she set.
Jean leaves behind two sons, Joseph and his wife, Candace, of Peacedale, R.I., and Kevin and his wife, Cheryl, of Summerfield, Fla.; and two daughters, Catherine Canning and her husband, Ray, of Bennington, Vt., and Barbara Joliat and her husband, Christopher, of Waterbury. She was predeceased by two sons, Terrance and Charles.
Funeral and burial will be private. There are no calling hours. The Murphy Funeral Home, 115 Willow St., is in charge of arrangements.
The following photographs are courtesy of Jean’s daughter Barbara Joliat as a tribute to the life of her mother.
The wedding of Catherine Branz Laporte (Jean’s sister), May 4, 1946. Jean was her sister’s bridesmaid.
Jean with husband, Dr. Joseph Daly, while dating, at the annual white tie Benefit Dinner for the Polyclinic Hospital at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. About 1955.
Jean with her mother and father, Henry Branz and Erma Genetti Branz, Christmas 1955-1956, Freeland, PA. Jean’s daughter: “My Noni was rarely caught without an apron!”
Jean and Joseph Daly taken at a family reunion in Pennsylvania around 2006.
Jean with her sister Catherine, in Freeland, PA, about 2009.
Barbara Joliat with her mother Jean at the wedding of Barbara’s daughter Catherine, 2007.
Jean with her granddaughter, Jeanne, (Barbara’s daughter) at her wedding in 2014. This was the last family wedding attended by Jean.
The entire Daly family at the wedding of Jean’s granddaughter, Jeanne, 2014. Photo includes three great-grandchildren (Beatrice, Aurelia, and Edmund). L to R: Ian (Barbara’s husband), Chris, Barbara, Jean, Jeanne (bride), Jon Leaman (groom), Luke, Cecelia, Catherine and Aurelia, Catherine’s husband, Joe Feil, and Ned.
Webmaster Note: During the past four years Jean Branz Daly contributed many photographs and memories to the Genetti Family Genealogy Project. Follow the links below to read more of Jean’s family stories and browse our extensive Photograph page that include numerous photos attributed to Jean.
Photograph Page: https://genettifamily.com/gallery/ancestors/
Family Memories by Regina “Jean” Branz Daly:
https://genettifamily.com/regina-jean-branz-daly/
The Genetti Family Genealogy Project 