Joanne Marie Vignola Brayton

Joanne Marie Vignola Brayton, of Geneva, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 17, 1943, in Woodbury, New Jersey, the daughter of Joseph and Clare (Palilonis) Vignola

Joanne excelled in ballet and tap dance as a young child, being featured in the early days of television. She continue to have a lifelong love of dance.

She grew up in the  college town of Glassboro, New Jersey and attended the campus school for elementary school and continued to Glassboro High School, where she was a member of the varsity tennis team and color guard.

She attended the University of Delaware and graduated in the class of 1965 (although enjoying a much higher class rank than Joe Biden)

She met and married her husband of over 60 years in 1965 and planned to begin a career as a textile buyer but duty called when her husband was drafted to serve in Vietnam and she relocated to Jacksonville, FL, where she welcomed twin sons, Joseph and John in 1966.

Upon completion of service, the young family moved to Illinois where they continued their life together, welcoming a third son, Jim in 1970

Joanne worked over the years as a teacher, when her children were young then for several years at Ball Seedin West Chicago, BRK/First Alert in Aurora and upon retirement began to drive a bus for Geneva community school district 304.

She was a member of Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, playing in their bell choir for many years. She played piano beautifully which is a talent she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed parts as an extra in several movies.

In retirement, she spent winters in Florida and divided summers between Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and Geneva, Illinois.

She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and hosting parties and making birthday cakes.

She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune with her husband and loving sister, Penny.

She had many friends and was known for her generosity, wisdom, kindness, beautiful smile, and infectious laugh, which she continued until the very end.

Joanne is survived by her husband of 60 years John, sister Penny; sons Dr. John (Beth) of Elburn and Jim (Meagan) of Geneva; grandchildren Clara, Charlotte, Ben, and Joseph; and many other dear relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Joe who passed away in 1984.

A visitation for Joanne will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 4:00 pm until the time of her memorial service where friends and family can share memories at 7:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva.

A memorial service will be held at the Fox Valley Presbyterian Church in Geneva at a later date.

For information 630-232-8233 or malonefh.com.

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