Kathleen Anne Bragg

Our Beloved Mother Kathleen Bragg - A True Yorkshire Lass

Our Mother, Kathleen Bragg age 86 of Colorado Springs entered eternal rest on July 20, 2024. Kathleen was born on September 9, 1937, to Beatrice and Thomas Elcock at Staincliffe Hospital, in Dewsbury England. She was one of 4 children and had a twin sister. The unique thing is they were born 2 days apart. 

Mom grew up in a time of war and was affected by some of the challenges their country experienced. They often went without as the supply chain had been cut off to their town. Although their town wasn’t directly hit, they could feel the vibration from the bombings and see the smoke from the fires. This caused her to be fearful of thunder and lightning, which she only recently overcame. 

She was raised in the small town of Heckmondwike, Yorkshire and attended St Patrick’s School where she graduated top of her class at age  16. She then went off to college and studied bookkeeping. Mom decided college wasn’t for her because she missed her sisters and close friends. She returned home and went to work with her twin sister at the mill. In 1955 she joined the Royal Air Force and was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford in Bicester. 

She was very proud to serve her country as a parachute packer; the quota was 9 per day and she was so skilled that she packed 20 per day. Still having time on her hands, she would be sent to help those who were not meeting their quota. Her enlisted rank was LACW which is a Leading Aircraft Woman in a senior role. Her discharge papers read word for word “LACW Elcock was an excellent parachute packer and should do well in any job requiring manual dexterity.” Her number was 2827013. The US Air Force Strategic Air Command was also housed at RAF Upper Heyford. 

Our Mother was part of a singing trio who performed at a local pub, which was frequented by both British and American service members.  This is where she met our father, Santiago Espinosa. They were married in March 1957. They moved to United States in 1959. 

Being a military wife meant frequent moves. Together, they had 6 children throughout England, California, Oklahoma and Colorado. 

Our parents divorced and Mom met and married Herbert Bragg who we fondly referred to as “Pops.” They were together for 48 years and enjoyed the simple things in life such as weekly trips to Walmart, going to Bingo and let’s not forget her visits to Cripple Creek. 

Mom was so proud of her English heritage. She took every opportunity to return to England and was honored to take her husband Herbert “Across the Pond” to meet her family and have him experience some real Fish and Chips! 

Mom worked at Bemis School of Art in the Fine Arts Center where she was an Arts and Crafts Coordinator. She enjoyed working with the children and often took her own grandchildren to participate in the activities. After leaving the Fine Arts Center, she worked at Central Parking in downtown Colorado Springs for several years. She received numerous accolades from her customers, which resulted in her receiving The Super Star Award for her dedication and commitment to excellence. 

One of mom’s proudest moments was when she became a US Citizen and frequently recited the 13 colonies to those that did not know them.

Our mother will always be remembered for her generous heart. She was hospitable and you could count on her to welcome all into her home. She had a soft spot for our military men and women and often invited them over for a home-cooked meal. She would say she felt for those who were far away from their families, especially for holidays as she herself had  this experience.

She was a good conversationalist and always had a good story to tell. Her favorite poems were “The Man In The Glass” by Dale Wimbrow Sr. and “Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep” by Mary Frye which were two of the many poems she could recite by memory. 

Mom had a deep faith in Jesus Christ and decided to be re-baptized, proclaiming her love for the Lord. She was inspired by her daughter Cindy and son in law Barry's recent baptism. 

Kathleen is survived by her children Diana Lauman (Greg) of Bandera, Texas; Cindy Espinosa (Barry Brauer) of Colorado Springs; Amanda Yniguez (Jorge) from Tracy, California; Santiago “Jimmy” Espinosa (Catherine Montano) from Denver and her sister Carol Ratcliffe of Liversedge, England.

 She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, her dear niece Beverly Haigh of Batley, England and several nieces and nephews in the United States as well as England. Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband Herbert Bragg, daughter Charlotte Espinosa and son Patrick Espinosa.

Memorial services will be held at the following location:

Victory Life Church

2007 E La Salle St

Colorado Springs Co 80909

July 27th at 10am