Distinguished Service Award
Cathy Brauner has been an integral part of Wellesley her entire life. The daughter of the late William (a physicist and electrical engineer) and Phyllis (Wellesley College ‘40 and a professor of chemistry at Simmons College), she and her sister Susan grew up on Benton Street, and Cathy graduated from Wellesley High. A gifted writer who combines her journalistic training and skills with love for her hometown, she was editor of The Wellesley Townsman for the last 29 years. She covered not only the news, but also the heart of the community.
Cathy is the mother of Hyacinth and Kat, who both also grew up here and graduated from Wellesley High, and the grandmother of Lukas and Jaxon. She has also been the devoted dog mom to a succession of rescues, the most recent being Misty and then Martha, who for years were mascots for the town’s Concerts in the Park, and who rode in the Townsman’s car during the parades.
Not only was Cathy a presence in all of our homes on Thursdays with the arrival of the paper, but she also worked hard in volunteer work in town, helping us to enjoy what Wellesley has to offer. In addition to being part of activities at her daughters’ schools from Hunnewell through WMS and WHS, one of her major commitments was to the Celebrations/Wellesley Wonderful Weekend Committee, of which she was an active member for nearly 20 years.
Wellesley is proud to salute its hometown writer, editor, WHS parent, and community volunteer for enriching the quality of life in this town we share.