Helen Brancato, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2024, at the age of 90. Helen was born on April 27th, 1934, in Randallsville, New York, to the late Lester and Laura Thayer.
Helen worked for many years at the Norwich/Sidney Pennysaver, where her friends became her family. She also worked at Mayfield Elementary School as an Aide, where she enjoyed being with the children. When she retired, she dedicated countless hours to the Northeast Classic Car Museum. Helen’s primary goal in retirement was to be a dedicated grandmother, and that she was. From attending as many sporting events as she could, to being there for weeks at a time when some of her great-grandchildren were born. Helen’s warm heart and home were always a welcoming haven filled with love and delicious home-cooked meals and her famous Italian cookies.
Helen was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles R. Brancato Sr.; her daughter-in-law, Barbara Brancato; her siblings, Bernard Thayer, Shirley Law, Audrey Eaves, Marjorie Scott and Sharon Marris; and her brother-in-law, James Brancato. Helen was a devoted mother to her surviving five children: Charles R. Brancato, Jr., Michael Brancato, Alicia (George) Gelsomin, Tina (Timothy) Delaney, and Timothy (Stacie) Brancato. Her nurturing spirit extended to her eleven grandchildren: Theresa (Brendon), Lindsey (Ben), Melissa (Donny), Ashley, Amanda, Dustin (Karly), Cassi (Andrew), Allison, Garret, Cameron and Hunter, and her 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished and adored. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Maria Galton, Gail Huhtala and Kathleen Welch, along with her brother-in-law, Bob Law; and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to her long-time neighbors, Jack and Sherry Whaley, who were a source of joy and strength. She received wonderful care at The Chenango Valley Assisted Living Home and from the staff of Independent Home Care of Central New York. Thank you to all of you for showing our Mom such Love.
Helen’s family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 North Broad Street, Norwich. A graveside service will take place at St. Malachy’s Cemetery, Sherburne, NY, immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango Valley, 33-39 Court Street, Norwich, NY 13815 or to Chenango Valley Home, 24 Canasawacta Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
Cato will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family. May she rest in peace.