In Memory of

Olga

"Cis"

Braniff

Obituary for Olga "Cis" Braniff

Olga (Cis, GG) Braniff - February 4th
Sunrise - August 26, 1930
Sunset - February 4, 2018
Olga “Cis” Braniff passed away in Olympia, WA on Sunday February 4, 2018. She was 87 years of age. Cis was born in New York City on August 26, 1930 and was the youngest daughter of Olga and Martin Kovat. She grew up living in various areas of the Big Apple saying, later in life, that she got the best years out of the city. She took great pride in her birthplace and referred to New Yorkers as “movers and shakers”.
In 1947 Cis met the love of her life, fellow New Yorker Eddie Braniff. Theirs was a romance for the ages and in 1950 they married. Together, they raised 9 children and lived in various areas of the country including California, Colorado, Florida and the Pacific NW. As she frequently recollected, when referring to raising her family, “those were my days in the sun”.
Sadly, in 1978, her wonderful Eddie passed away. With 4 children still at home, she continued working the family business and went on to open a gift shop in Zillah, WA. Cis always stayed busy and enjoyed owning her own business. She even obtained her real estate and bartender’s license along the way because, “well, you just never know when you might need it”. Time eventually brought her to Western WA where she worked at NAS Whidbey, the Everett Convention Center and Chamber of Commerce.
Always up for a travel adventure, she loved get-away road trips and took a solo trip through 10 countries in Europe making new friends along the way with her contagious smile and warmth. To Cis, strangers were friends she had yet to meet. Described as a ray of sunshine, a beautiful soul, loving and sweet, she leaves behind an ocean of memories that we will forever hold close to our hearts.
As her children grew up and had children of their own, her name evolved into GG – “Gorgeous Granny”. Just like her children, the grandchildren were the lights of her life. She never lost her sense of childlike wonder and imagination.
GG fell in love with Whidbey Island and settled there. Gifted with a beautiful voice and artistic talent she enjoyed singing in the church choir, sketching and painting. She also started a social group for fellow New Yorkers.
GG is survived by her children Edward Braniff, Therese Hawkins, Kevin Braniff (Patricia), Christopher Braniff (Lori), Timothy Braniff (Kari), Brigid Buchanan, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved Eddie, her children, Alison Burnes, Martin Braniff, Joseph Braniff, granddaughter Elizabeth Braniff, her parents and sister Connie.
GG’s faith was at the foundation of who she was. It sustained her through good times and bad and she never wavered in her beliefs. Through her strength, she instilled independence and perseverance in her children. And now, she is surrounded by her cherished loved ones in eternal peace.
A viewing will be held on Saturday morning, February 17, 2018, between 8-8:45 am at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor. A funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Oak Harbor with Rev. Paul Pluth JCL as celebrant. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville, following the reception.