Paulette Marie Branner (nee Zanella) - passed away at Advent Health Bolingbrook Hospital, on Friday, June 2, 2023. Age 78.

Born and raised in Joliet, IL she moved to Elwood with her husband in 1975 to raise their family and resided in the country for 46 years. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her vibrancy, selflessness and creativity. Always curious, she shared her passion for exploring with her children from a young age, whether it was the wonders in their own backyard or on a road trip halfway across the country. Her ability to make things translated into everything from baking to crafts. And her love for animals nurtured domestic and wild creatures alike, especially cats.

Paulette was also highly social. Prior to starting her family, she worked for Delta as a ticket agent in Chicago. Later she worked for ActMedia for six years doing food demo marketing for fun.

Her children will carry on the values that she instilled in them to be confident in being unique and never boring. They will always treasure her patience with their Scout and 4-H projects, trips to the Illinois State Fair, attendance at school functions, her extraordinary spaghetti sauce, homemade desserts, beautiful Christmas trees and stockings, handmade ornaments, Easter egg decorating and hunts, birthday cakes, space for as many pets as the house would hold, wood finishing skills, crocheted afghans, perfect handwriting, love of music and encouragement to read. Most of all, she will be missed for her smile, laugh and insistence on having fun.

The family extends their deepest thanks to Joliet Oncology and Hematology, Davita Sun Health, Dr. Karl Szafranski, all at Lakewood Nursing and Rehabilitation, Friends Over Fifty Senior Care, AIM Home Health Care and everyone else who assisted with her care in the past few years.

Paulette is survived by her son Gregory Paul (Margaret) Branner, daughters Amy Claire Branner and Lori Anne (Michael) Forsythe; grandchildren Carlie (Fernando) Carrera-Rodriguez, Dylan, Nathan, Jacob and Tyler Forsythe, Evelyn and Julia Branner and great granddaughter Anastasia Carrera-Rodriguez.

She is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Esther Zanella and her husband of 56 years George Branner.

Funeral services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road, Saturday, June10th at 12:00 P.M. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park II. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of services. For information call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the American Cancer Society.