Lillian “Lillie” Braudy

May 18, 1930 - May 12, 2023

Lillie was born in 1930 and raised in New Bedford, Mass., the youngest child of Morris and Annie Braudy, owners of Braudy’s Department Store. Both of her parents died when she was a young girl.

In 1952, she met Richard Bersin, a scientist, and they were married in 1954. They had two sons, Joshua and Adam.

In 1963, the family moved to Kensington (near Berkeley) California and Lillie started her career as a businesswoman. She loved the excitement of Berkeley in the 1960s and spent time as an art dealer, fashion saleswoman, and real-estate agent.

Lillie had many passions – culture, adventure, travel, and beauty. Her favorite activity was live theatre in New York City and she would always bring home the Playbooks.

In Berkeley, Lillie could be found at Peet’s, The Cheeseboard, and other local hangouts. She read The New York Times and bought her children subscriptions to The New Yorker.

Lillie was a romantic. Her two true loves were Richard Bersin, her husband of 22 years, and Rick Pratt, her fiancé of 15 years. Lillie and Rick loved to cruise: dressing up, dancing, and exploring the world.

She was passionate, direct, and lots of fun. Always willing to say what was on her mind, Lillie lived life on her own terms, relentlessly pursuing adventure. Her childhood taught her that life is short and she lived every minute like it was her last.

Lillie is survived by her two sons, Josh (Heidi) and Adam (Ana); her five grandchildren, Braudy (Tori), Julia, Oliver, Henry and Vivienne; and her great-grandson, Theodore.

Lillie had a long life, filled with joy and happiness. We miss her dearly and we will remember her forever.