Olga Mary Bracciano

Olga Mary Bracciano, known affectionately as “Nene” to those closest to her, was born February 19, 1933 in Detroit Michigan. The middle daughter of Michael and Dorothy (Sowivk) Trush, Olga pursued her passion for education at Wayne State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree before pursuing a master’s degree in social work. It was during her time at Wayne State that she met her husband, Alfred Floyd Bracciano. Together, Olga and Alfred, “Poppy” to his family, built a beautiful life, shared 65 years of marriage and raised four wonderful children: Gloria Bracciano, Dr. Alfred G. Bracciano (Tamara), Dr. David Bracciano (Julie), and Daniel Bracciano (Susan).

Olga was the embodiment of kindness, empathy, and unwavering compassion. She dedicated her life to uplifting others, both as a school social worker and as the heart of her family. Olga was a devout Catholic and found immense joy being active in women’s ministry at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea of Longboat Key as well as Our Lady of the Angels of Lakewood Ranch. Through acts of service, quiet moments of prayer, and simple gestures of love, Olga’s life was a testament to giving. Giving of herself, her time, and her heart, she always greeted the world with a radiant smile and an open heart. Olga had a rare ability to make everyone who spoke to her feel as if they were her favorite. This gift was even more precious as four children blossomed into 11 grandchildren and then 6 great-grandchildren. While Olga made a difference in the lives of countless people, there was no comparison to the impact she had on the lives of her family. She was a pillar of strength, but also a model of grace. Olga was the ever-capable navigator on family road trips while Alfred took the wheel. Her playful spirit brought endless joy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but was a steadfast advocate for taking time to relax, or “bump” as she called it. She was forever curious about God, about the world, and about the people around her but was also a wellspring of wisdom. From games of charades at Christmas, trips to Disney World, or any number of cruises across the globe with Alfred, Olga’s life was a tapestry woven with family memories. Most recently Olga was a resident at Lakewood Ranch Grand Living where she remained engaged exercising, learning, and socializing. Even with a full schedule, she still always found time for those she loved most. The thread that bound Olga’s life together was her boundless love for her family. Though she is reunited with Poppy, Nene left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone who knew her, most of all her family. Her legacy of love, faith, and unwavering devotion lives on in her grandchildren –Christian Bracciano (Nina), Angelica Rossi (Haim), Dr. Anthony Rossi (Lucy), Kathryn Walters (Jason), Daniel D. Bracciano (Selita), Dr. Elizabeth Bracciano (Devan), Alfred M. Bracciano (Devon), Nina Bracciano, Matthew Bracciano (Eli), David M. Bracciano Jr., and Stephen Bracciano– and her great-grandchildren –Hayden Bracciano, Nikash Rossi Sharma, Beau Walters, Aubrey Walters, Mischa Rossi Sharma, and Marco Rossi.

A private mass and memorial service will be held in Olga’s honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tidewell Hospice in Lakewood Ranch Florida in memory of Olga M. Bracciano.