In Memoriam: Elizabeth (Cissie) Branecki

2/16/2006 - Elizabeth (Cissie) Branecki was born on September 19, 1934 in Black Hawk, Colorado, to Ruth M. Blake and Otto O. Blake, both of whom have preceded her in death. Her family also consisted of her sisters Dolores and Linda, who still reside in Black Hawk. The family’s deeply established roots included residing for a period of time at the old Gilpin Hotel, which was owned and operated by her parents.

  Elizabeth spent her entire childhood and young adulthood in Black Hawk, being educated in the local Black Hawk elementary school, followed by secondary education at Gilpin County High School in Central City, from which she graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1952.

  Following graduation she was united in marriage to Richard Branecki in October of that same year at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Central City. Her married life took her to California for a brief period but she was delighted to return to her beloved Black Hawk with her family, including her three daughters, Dixie Lovingier, Jeanne Lively, and Judy Dornbrock.

  Elizabeth was an active contributor to community life as a member of the Black Hawk Community Club, the Altar and Rosary Society of St. Mary’s, and a Girl Scout leader for many years.

  Her community involvement continued as Black Hawk City Clerk, Black Hawk City Alderman, and the administrator of the fledgling Black Hawk-Central City Sanitation District, serving from its inception in 1972 until her retirement in 1996.

  The greatest joys in Elizabeth’s life were her three daughters, who blessed her life further with seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, who found extraordinary love and support from their grandmother.

  A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Central City on Monday, January 30, 2006, at which time the church overflowed with family and friends, many of whom shared their delight in being part of her life. Burial followed in Dory Hill Cemetery in Black Hawk. A gathering of friends and family was held immediately following at the Elks Club in Central City.

  Appropriately, Elizabeth’s life began and ended in the places she so loved all of her life, surrounded by those who so richly rewarded this part of her journey.