Joyce Brancato

Joyce J. Brancato, age 72, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family on November 7, 2011.

Joyce was born January 5, 1939, in Chippewa County, Wisconsin to George and Lois Rubenzer. She graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1957. After graduation, Joyce moved to southern California and worked as a secretary for the Superintendent of Orange County Schools. She then met and married George Brancato in 1960. Together they had two children, Brenda Jo and George Jr. Joyce loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed being outdoors gardening, fishing, and watching wildlife. Joyce was also instrumental in touching the lives of over 160 foster children. She was able to build special relationships with them using her innate gift of listening.

She is survived by her husband, George Brancato; daughter, Brenda (Bruce) Larson; son, George (Kathy) Brancato, Jr.; grandsons, Brennan Larson, Aaron and Brett Brancato; sisters, Janet (Willard) Rogge, Ione (Milton) Olson, Lucille Campbell, Audrey (Elmer) Binggeli; brothers-in-law, Frank Brancato and Phillip Brancato; and 19 nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her two dachshunds, Pretzel and Peanut. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters-in-law, Fran and Paula Brancato.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with Pastor Dwight Johnson officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.