Cynthia Anne Bratton (née Hiegel)
October 15, 1947 – January 10, 2026
Cynthia Anne Bratton, lovingly known as Cindy to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:07 a.m. She was 78 years old.
Cindy was born on October 15, 1947, in Wethersfield, Connecticut, to Patricia and Arthur Hiegel. She attended Barry College in Miami, Florida, where she graduated with honors in 1969, earning a Bachelor of Science degree.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose strength, kindness, and steady presence were the foundation of her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas Theodore Bratton; her daughter, Heather Anne Bratton; her son, Brian Thomas Bratton; her brother, James F. Hiegel; and her cherished grandchildren, Avery, Olivia, Isabella, and Archer, who were a constant source of joy and pride in her life.
Cindy was an accomplished business manager and a respected leader in her communities. She served as President of the Junior Women's Club in both Raleigh, North Carolina, and Falls Church, Virginia, giving generously of her time and talents in service to others. Known for her warmth, reliability, and quiet strength, she was the rock of her family—someone others leaned on and trusted deeply.
Above all, Cindy will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her loyal friendships, and the grace with which she lived her life. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she held together with compassion and care.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.