Obituary: Johanne Pantani, of Branford

Information via W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

On February 11, Johanne, joined the love of her life, her husband of 46 years Bruce Pantani in heaven. She passed away peacefully at home with her children by her side. Born June 13, 1942 to the late Joyce (Cudgma) and Arnold Nobile.

Johanne was a life long resident of Branford.J ohanne’s love of family knew no bounds. She “retired” from her job at Union Trust to help her children raise their children. She selflessly took care of her grandchildren day or night as their parents worked. With her devotion and involvement in her to her grandchildren’s lives she became know as Mimi to many.

She volunteered as a Special Friends Helper at Tisko, she was a costume and hair helper for Walsh and BHS plays. She went on many youth mission trips with the CC, spreading her love and kindness across the country. She was also seen at countless sporting events, concerts and plays supporting everyone who called her Mimi.

Johanne’s generosity knew no bounds and nothing made her happier than giving of herself to others. As a young parent, she along with Bruce, started the Secret Santa program, to provide gifts to town children in need at Christmas. This tradition of giving is continuing with Christmas Caddy, which was started by her grandchildren. She has spent countless hours volunteering. Some of her favorite times were with Take a Vet Fishing, and as the President of The Angels Foundation.

She also cherished her volunteer work at Hospice. As life moved on she knew she wanted to make a bigger impact on peoples lives and became a CNA at to be more involved in helping patients and their families when then needed it most.Johanne “Mimi” was committed to all children. In 2012, working with the BBOE she founded Feed Branford Kids. This program is self funded, and volunteer run, providing weekend meals to all needy Branford elementary school children.

FBK is currently providing 1,200 meals per week to Branford students. For this was work and much more she was awarded the inaugural 2013 Beacon Award, for volunteer workShe was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Branford.

She is survived by her brother George (Shirley) Nobile children Bruce (Renee) Pantani, Janice(Tom) Fowler, Dennis (Laura) Pantani, Donna Angelo as well as 10 grandchildren: Michael (Samantha) & Chandlar Fowler, Christopher, Jessica, Jacob, Gabby and Noah Pantani, Sophia, Maggie & Emma Angelo.

She was predeceased by her brother Arnold Nobile.Friends may call Wednesday from 4-7 P.M. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford. Funeral services will be Thursday at 11:00 at the First Baptist Church in Branford. Burial will follow in Branford Center Cemetery.In lieu of donations the family ask that donations be made to FBK P.O. Box 561 Branford CT 06405. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Johanne Pantani, please visit our Tribute Store.