Avis A. Brancato, age 86 of Coal City, IL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born on August 30, 1935 on the family farm to William T. and Laura H. (nee Pierard) Swanson.  She married Sam J. Brancato on August 12, 1956 at the Assumption Catholic Church. She worked for a few years at the Joliet Arsenal before becoming a full time mother and homemaker.

Avis was a wonderful baker! Cookies and cakes were her specialty. She enjoyed reading and looking over cookbooks to find her next creations. Sitting in her screen house in her backyard, Avis took pleasure in watching the birds and her growing flowers. Ice cream was a favorite treat of hers and she would eat it three meals a day, especially enjoying Dean's Peppermint flavor. Nightly visits with family and Girl's Trips were some of Avis's treasured moments. Most of all, Avis had an amazing maternal instinct. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, but was also a caregiver to many family members.

She is survived by her children, Renee (Phil) McLuckie, Randi (Rich) McLuckie, Rhona (Tom) Hanley and Brad (Karen) Brancato; her nine grandchildren, Meredith (Daniel) Goode, Robert (Katie) McLuckie, Erin (Doug) Hitchock, Ryan McLuckie, Austin (Kassie) McLuckie, Tyler Hanley, Tanner (Jordan) Hanley, Ali Brancato and Tessa Brancato; her great- grandchildren, Kane and Mack McLuckie, Abby and Finn Hitchcock and one on the way; her sister, Naomi (Gene) Bianchetta; her sister-in–law, Marie Swanson and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Laura Swanson; her husband of 50 years, Sam Brancato; her sister and brother-in-law, LaVerne and Fritz Kelly, her brother, Ernie Swanson and her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Delores Swanson.

Memorials may be directed in Avis's name to the Coal City Food Pantry, the Coal City Library or to the donor's choice.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Ferrari Funeral Services, 1044 Ferrari Drive, Coal City, IL 60416.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am on Friday, August 26, 2022 at the Ferrari Funeral Chapel with Pastor Mark Hughey officiating. Burial will follow at Braceville Gardner Cemetery.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services of Coal City are entrusted with arrangements