Patricia Brachman Maurakis

Patricia Messick Brachman Maurakis, age 94, died on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at her residence.

Pat was born on February 20, 1932, in Hurluck, Maryland to Charles and Marion Messick. Her family moved to Ridgely, Maryland, where she attended school and graduated from Ridgely High School. She continued her education at Wesley Jr. College (AA), Western Maryland College (BA), and Averett College (MEd). Pat began her teaching career at Glen Burnie Jr. High, then Chesterton High School, both in Maryland. After moving to Danville, she taught 4 years at Dan River High Inc. Adult Evening High School, then spent 29 years teaching English at George Washington High School before retiring.

Pat was active at her church and in the community. At Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, she served in various capacities over the years including: Fellowship Class member, Sunday School teacher, Wednesday Night Supper coordinator, Bible school volunteer, member of Epworth Choir, Circle #1 co-leader, member of Church Council, and UMW board of directors. She was a member of the Wednesday club, docent and board member at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, member and board member of the Westbrook Society, volunteer at and later acting director of the Womack Museum (later part of the Danville Science Center), chairman of Danville City Beautiful Committee, Girl Scout leader, and President (President emeritus) of the Langhorne House Museum. She and her husband, Russ, spent a summer as volunteers at the Circus Hall of Fame in Peru, IN. She participated in the local Christmas Bird Count for about 40 years. Pat enjoyed reading, bird watching, and traveling.

She is predeceased by husbands Russell C. Brachman and Albert P. Maurakis.

She is survived by daughters Rachel Brachman, Danville, and Linda B. Woodard (Elmer), Blairs; grandsons Jason Brachman (Jamie), Charleston, SC, Patrick Woodard (Amy), Danville, VA, and Tristan Woodard, Pasadena, TX; stepsons, Andy Maurakis (Linda), Winnipeg, Canada; great-grandchild, Addison Woodard.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, 5:00PM-6:30PM at Townes Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Danville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 107 West Main St. Danville, VA, 24541, Russel C. Brachman Scholarship Fund at Averett University, 420 West Main Street, Danville, VA, 24541, Heifer International, or the charity of your choice.