Patsy Elmora Braseth

Patsy Elmora Braseth, born in Olympia, Washington, on August 30, 1944, to Patrick and Martha Heffernan. She passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Valley Medical Center in Renton, Washington, at the age of 81.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Sonny Heffernan; and parents, Patrick Michael Heffernan and Martha Elmora Ann Mygatt.

Patsy is survived by her husband, Craig Braseth; sisters, Martha Bartley and Penny Heffernan.

Patsy was born and raised in a small home, helping tend the garden and also her siblings. Her parents divorced, yet they stayed cordial and remained a united family. She went to school at North Thurston High School and completed some college. It wasn’t long before a handsome young troublemaker in a fast car swept her off her feet and they started a family.

Patsy embraced being a homemaker to her total of six children, which she often called her two litters. With her first husband Seth, married February 11, 1961, they created four children, Tracee Ann, John Allen, Raymond Michael and Christopher Charles. Patsy met her second husband Craig Braseth at a party, and they married July 1, 1978, they created two children, Angela Harriette and Brian Keith.

Patsy took pride in her family. Everyone was always included and loved. Patsy never strayed too far from Olympia - she was always a true WORshington Girl. Even when living in Kent, most

weekends were spent in Olympia to keep the closeness of her family going.

With her first marriage, the Cowlitz Tribal background was taught within their home. Patsy would attend tribal gatherings before the tribe was recognized federally. Even though she divorced Seth they stayed BFFs and included the next litter into the tribal vibe! Seth’s mother once shared, “it is not the blood amount in your veins, it was what is given from your heart that makes you, Patsy, native.”

Patsy enjoyed bowling throughout her adulthood and won many tournaments. Yes she had a cool bowling shirt! She enjoyed gardening (vegetables and flowers) with her Dad, at her homes, but especially loved her roses. In recent years baking with her

grandchildren has been a highlight as well. The two holidays she loved decorated cookies the most were during Halloween and Christmas!

Patsy has 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. From her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren they all knew her comforting song to them was, “You are my Sunshine.” She loved love and spread love with ease. She also gave tough love and was not afraid of a fight. Within her was the fierceness, protection, and strength of a bear, which is also her native zodiac sign. Her

astrological sign of being a Virgo also holds true. She was a problem solver, reliable, practical and independent. You would need to debate hard to change her mind on anything because she already had the answer and any rebuttal she would respond, “because I am the Mom.”

She buzzed into this world ready to fly with life and she dared anyone to get in her way - if they dared they risked getting stung. Her matriarch status will live on within us, her traditions will continue to grow, her perfume will remind us of her sweetness and remembering her quick tongue will make us laugh and smile.

The family invites guests to wear black and/or yellow in honor of Patsy.

A visitation will be held on June 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 5725 Littlerock Rd., Tumwater, WA 98512. The Cowlitz Drum Family will provide safe passage for our Queen Bee. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 PM.

Reception will be held at Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlour located at 3939 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98506 3:30 - 5:30