Erlene graduated from Stowe High School and, following her marriage, was employed as a clerk for several years at Mehuron's Grocery Store in Waitsfield. Inspired by Emma Ford to get her real estate license, Erlene worked as an independent agent in the Mad River Valley as well as assisted her husband, Willis, in the operation of the family dairy farm on Bragg Hill.
Erlene served the town of Fayston in the House of Representatives from 1959 to 1960. Her memberships included the Fayston Historical Society, the Vermont State and Fayston Republican Parties, served many years on the Fayston School Board and was a member of the Mad River Valley Health Center Board of Directors. In her leisure time, she enjoyed politics, reading and was an avid Bingo player.
Erlene is survived by her son, Reginald B. Bragg, and his wife, Dottie, of Fayston; a daughter-in-law, Lettie Maye Bragg of Douglasville, GA; seven grandchildren, Richard Bragg and his wife, Cindi, Tricia Jenkins and her husband, Michael, Reginald Bragg Jr. and his wife, Melissa, Amy Gardner, Thad Munson and his wife, LeeAnn, Laura Paquette and her husband, Richard, and Michael Nelson; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Lloyd Barnes of Florida; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by a son, Willis C. Bragg Jr., and a brother, Harold Barnes Jr.
Committal services will be held from Irasville Cemetery in Waitsfield for both Erlene and Willis Bragg next summer at a date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 305, Waitsfield, VT 05673. To send online condolences, please visit www.perkinsparker.com. Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.
