Olga (Hilchuk) Braiewa of Old Saybrook and Hartford passed away on Monday, October 14, 2013. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Braiewa for over 70 years, who predeceased her on Monday, September 30, 2013. Born and raised in Hartford, the daughter of Vladimir Hilchuk and Mary (Harpul) Hilchuk, she grew up on Pequot Street and spent many happy days at Riverside Park and the North Street Settlement, the childhood hangout for her and all her friends. She attended Henry Barnard School and graduated from Hartford Public High School, Class of 1936B. Joseph and Olga were married in 1942 in Gulfport, Mississippi and while he served overseas she supported the war effort here by helping to manufacture the US M-1 Carbine rifle at the Underwood Typewriter Company in Hartford. She later was employed by CIGNA in its Data Processing Department for over 30 years, starting in Hartford and moving to the Bloomfield campus upon its completion in 1954.

Olga was an avid flower gardener and lover of old books and old movies, spending many hours puttering in her yard and getting absorbed in her books. She and Joseph moved to Old Saybrook after their retirement in 1984 where they quickly became involved with the Old Saybrook “Sassy Seniors” singing group. She pursued her love of dancing by joining line dancing classes at the Westbrook and Clinton Senior Centers. Joseph and Olga loved to listen to music, sing along, and dance at every opportunity. Olga had great compassion for animals and never met an animal she didn’t like. She cared for many stray cats, birds, and her own cats. She was an inspiration to her children and grandchildren and taught them to respect and be kind to all animals. After years of vacationing with her sister Sonia and now deceased brother-in-law Edward Siek, they all settled down to their time shares at Four Winds in Long Boat Key, FL. They enjoyed many happy years there every May and October.

Olga was predeceased by her brother Theodore Hilchuk, and is survived by her sister, Sonia Siek. She is survived by her two sons, Joseph R. Braiewa and his wife Gail of West Hartford and Dennis M. Braiewa and his wife Susan of Glastonbury; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Robert and Katherine Braiewa of West Hartford, Jeffrey and Lisa Braiewa of Monroe, Daniel and Julie Dubois of West Hartford, Matthew and Joey Braiewa of Glastonbury, Michael and Jill Braiewa of Norwell, MA, Jaclyne and Ian Wallace of Chicago, IL, and Christopher Braiewa of Glastonbury; thirteen great-grandchildren and one on the way.

The family would like to thank Gladeview Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Old Saybrook for their care and kindness to Olga and the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Save the Sound/Connecticut Fund for the Environment. Calling hour for both Olga and Joseph Braiewa will be held on Monday, October 21, 2013 from 9:00AM – 10:30AM at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford followed by a Memorial Mass, 11:00 am at St. Mark the Evangelist Church 467 South Quaker Lane, West Hartford.