In Loving Memory of Immaculata “Max” (Monaghan) Bramlage

Immaculata “Max” Monaghan Bramlage, 95, passed away peacefully at her home in Punta Gorda, Florida, on August 25, 2026. She was born on September 1, 1930, to Immaculata (Stotenbur) and Wesley “Monty” Monaghan in Middletown, OH.

Max was a beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her life was defined by the love she shared with her family, her strong Catholic faith, and her dedication to serving others. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and through the generations of family she leaves behind.

Max married the love of her life, John Charles “Jack” Bramlage, on June 21, 1952, at Corpus Christi Church in Dayton, Ohio, and together, they raised a loving family and shared a lifetime of memories.

Max possessed a strong and enduring faith that was a guiding force throughout her life. She was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda, where she formed many lifelong friendships while serving as an Arimathean Minister and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Her faith was not simply something she practiced; it was reflected in the way she lived, loved, and cared for others.

A woman of remarkable compassion and fortitude, Max devoted thousands of volunteer hours to organizations and causes that were important to her, including with hospice patients, hurricane survivors, and human trafficking victims. She served as the treasurer of her local and Serra International club, first in Dayton, then in Punta Gorda.

While the family was living in Louisville, KY, Max spent long hours each Saturday tutoring students in reading and comprehension. She tutored 5th graders in the Punta Gorda schools who struggled with math.

Most of all, Max loved the work and her fellow volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She volunteered delivering meals and as a long-time Vincentian, helped to bring their tiny food pantry from an 8’ x 8’ space to their new building, while providing much-needed food assistance to hundreds in our community. She was humbled when the St. Vincent de Paul Society honored her with a plaque installed at the entrance to the food pantry.

Her commitment to service will be a lasting example to the next generation of Catholics.

Max leaves behind her eight children: Stephen Bramlage (Tonya), Chris Bramlage (Kathy), Becky Bramlage (Pam), Lisa Bramlage, David Bramlage (Denise), Diane Ewald (Mark), John Bramlage (Katie), and Lincoln Bramlage (Jenell).

“Lovely” as she was known by her grandchildren, is survived by her loving grandchildren: Immaculata, Katherine (William), Daniel (Erica), Benjamin (Kristen), Anthony (Jaimie), Morgan, Jeff (Anne), Melissa, Nicholas, Jacklyn, Luke, Jacob, Jack, Mallory and Noah. 

Aunt Max was also loved by many nieces and nephews.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Maria, Eden, Cecilia, Owen, Trevor, Nolan, Evan, Cade, Tanner, Rosemary, Steven, and Elliot.

Max was surely met in heaven by her beloved husband, Jack, parents; Monty & Big Max, sisters; Joanne (Ralph) Fleischman, Kathleen (Elroy) Wildhaber, and Deborah Ellen (Edward) Law; and her brothers, David (Patricia), Patrick (Marcia), and Michael (Sandra).

We would like to offer a special thanks to the women who helped care for Max. Raeshamial “Rae” Smith, Ann Akers and Elaine Morgan, your efforts and care made it possible for Max to remain in her home, and gave much needed respite to her children – we all thank you!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dayton, Ohio with a celebration of Max’s life to follow. Family and friends are invited to gather together to remember, honor, and celebrate a remarkable woman whose life was filled with faith, family, service, humor, and love.