Naomi Mae Branch, 91 of Valparaiso, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025. She was born May 9, 1934, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late George C. and Alma (Grames) Paulsen. Naomi received her bachelor's degree in education in Nyack, NY, and her master’s degree at Indiana University Northwest. She taught kindergarten for 35 years, retiring from Merrillville Schools in 1997. Naomi had a genuine love for her students and enjoyed watching them learn and grow. She had been an active member of Liberty Bible Church, where she served in various ministries. Naomi was also a member of the Philanthropic Committee of Shorewood Forest and Tri-Kappa. She was talented at scrapbooking and had an interest in studying family history. Naomi will be remembered as having a servant’s heart, loving everyone she met and being loved by all in return. She will be dearly missed.
On June 29, 1956, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Naomi married DeWitt Branch, who preceded her in death in 2016. She is survived by her daughter, Nadine (David) Stewart of Westville; granddaughter, Jessica (Zachary) Maden of Fort Riley, KS; great-granddaughter, Teagan Maden; brother, David (Barbara) Paulsen of Cuba, MO; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by siblings: Robert Paulsen and Carol Wood.
A visitation and viewing will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, with a celebration of life service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Private entombment at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, or Moody Bible Institute.
GUESTBOOK
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother. She was so loving & caring & was a blessing to you & will be fondly be remembered by many. Absent from the body, present with the Lord. Praise God for His eternal provision for those who are His. We'll be praying for you & we love. -Dave & Suzanne Hoxworth
