Antoinette Olympe Bradna Wilhoit went peacefully home to be
with her Savior surrounded by the LOVE of her family on November 5, 2012.
Oly, Mom, Nana & GG, as she was known by various members
of her family and friends, possessed great beauty, not only on the outside, but
even more from the inside. She was a woman of great humility, grace, dignity
& faith. She always lit up the room when she entered and her genuine charm
captivated those who were near her.
She is survived by her loving family: Her Children: Douglass Woods Wilhoit, Jr. and wife Joan of
Stockton, Antoinette Wilhoit Giggey and husband William of Rancho Murieta &
Jeannette Wilhoit of Folsom.
Her grandchildren: Matthew Woods Wilhoit of Sacramento,
Gretchen Guptil and husband Chad of Elk Grove, Carolyn McLaren and husband
Douglas of Tennessee, Amy Lineras and husband Patrick of San Jacinto, Chris
Morgan and wife Jamie of El Dorado Hills.
Her Great Grandchildren: Justin & Nick Guptil, Alex,
Taylor & Luke Mclaren, Kate Anne McAfee, Mackenzie & Dylan Morgan.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years,
Douglass Woods Wilhoit, Sr. who passed away February, 2012 and her parents,
Jeanne & Joseph Bradna.
Olympe was born in Paris France into a theatrical family.
Her uncle, Fred Bradna was Ring Master for many years with the Ringling Bros.
organization. She was named after the Olympia Theatre in Paris where she was
"born in a trunk." At the age of 13 months, she began performing in
her parent's act. Olympe would sing, dance and perform acrobatics. She
performed across Europe before royalty and on every stage where she performed
the audiences loved her talent and charm…"a star was born."
In 1936, Paramount Pictures signed her to a contract with
them. At 16 years of age, Olympe and her family came to the United States.
Olympe starred in many films including: "Say It In French" with Ray
Milland, "International Squardron" with the future President, Ronald
Reagan, "Souls At Sea" with Gary Cooper & George Raft and many
more to numerous to mention.
In 1940 on an appearance tour promoting a film, she stopped
in Los Gatos with her Mother to visit a friend of theirs, George Baker. George
had brought along his life long friend, Douglass Wilhoit, Sr. and the minute
Olympe stepped off the train, as Douglass tells it, "he fell in love with
her at first sight."
They were married on May 14, 1941 in Sherman Oaks,
California
They began their married life in Southern California and
Olympe said good-bye to her Hollywood career and began her new life as a wife
and mother. In 1942, Olympe and Douglass moved to Stockton California, the home
to which Douglass was a 4th generation Stocktonion. Olympe became involved in
many charitable organizations such as The Children's Home of Stockton and
Stockton Junior League. She was chair-person many times for the Junior League's
Camellia Ball and brought her European flair to each event.
In 1968, Olympe & Douglass moved to the family home in
the Carmel Highlands, where they lived until 1995 when they returned to San
Joaquin County and Lodi to be closer to their family. They always said,
"they had come Full Circle."
The family would like to thank Dr. Kenneth Mullen for his
gentle care. Iliana, Angelica & Nubia of Visiting Angels who always
provided loving care for "Miss Oly." Monsignor Lawrence McGovern and
Hospice Chaplain, Tony Berry for their Spiritual support. Hospice of San
Joaquin for helping her to be so comfortable during her final days. Casa Bonita
Funeral Home and San Joaquin Rural Cemetery for their guidance and kindness to
her family.
The family would also like to thank the scores of friends
who have reached out to them at this time for their loss with so many wonderful
and kind comments of a woman who touched so many lives and will be remembered
for her grace, love and beauty.
At her request, when she is laid to rest along side her
Dougie, it is to be a private and family only at the Wilhoit Family Plot at the
San Joaquin Rural Cemetery. She has also requested no visitation. Also at her
request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in her memory
to The Children's Home of Stockton, 403 N. Pilgrim, Stockton, California 95205
and Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California 95204.
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because
when one has stood the test … they will receive the crown of life that God has
promised to those who love Him." - James 1:12.
Published in Lodi
News-Sentinel from November 9 to November 16, 2012
BRADNA, Olympe (Antoinette Olympe Bradna)
Born: 8/12/1920, Paris,
Died: 11/5/2012, Lodi, California, U.S.A.
Olympe Bradna’s western – actress:
High, Wide and Handsome – 1937
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