Obituaries
Winona Brubaker Brenner Brancato, 92
October 29, 2025
Winona Brenner Brancato, 92, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025. Born August 6, 1933, she was the daughter of the late George I. and Mary Myers Brubaker of Holtwood. She was married to Joseph J. Brancato, Sr., of Lancaster.
Affectionately known as Winnie, she was a 1951 graduate of Penn Manor High School.
Winnie enjoyed life serving her family, church and community. Winnie was a member at Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Bible Fellowship, in the Presbyterian Women and a Deacon. She previously served at Grace United Methodist Church in Millersville for over 40 years, where she was superintendent of adult Sunday School Class, choir, and participated in Youth Mission Trips to Maine and Kentucky. She also coordinated and served in the Mission Thrift Shop for over 20 years. Winnie grew up in the Bethesda Methodist Church in Holtwood.
Winona worked at the Clothes Tree in Millersville for 14 years. Later she worked at Millersville University Book Store. She was a Nurse’s Aide at St Joseph Hospital in the 1960’s. Earlier she worked in medical records at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, when Bob was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Winnie and her family had years of enjoyment at the Hillside Hunting Club in Poe Valley, Centre County. They also made a yearly visit to the Jersey shore to visit siblings and cousins. Later trips were to Florida, Virginia, Bermuda and Germany/Austria.
After Winnie remarried, she and Joe were actively traveling to gun shows, California and Europe. They bred and raised miniature horses in Peach Bottom.
Winona and the family always had a garden. She enjoyed cooking, freezing/canning vegetables and fruit. She also had a gift for letter-writing and loved to bargain shop. Winnie always had an open door for visitors and a sweet treat to share. She especially enjoyed time with her family and friends.
Her first husband, Robert B. Brenner, preceded her in death, along with her sister, Rachael Royer; son-in-law, Harry Stigelman; and granddaughter, Ashley Brenner.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her four children: Carol Brenner Stigelman of Millersville, Joni Brenner Reece of College Station, Texas, R. Jeffrey Brenner (Pam) of Conestoga, and J. Andrew Brenner (Lisa) of Lancaster: two step children: Joseph Brancato, Jr. (Tena) of Huntington Beach, California; Sharon Brancato of New Holland; two sisters: Elaine Carman of Manasquan, New Jersey and Beatrice Zercher of Lancaster. She also had 9 grandchildren, 8 step grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Winnie’s memory can be made to: Hospice & Community Care (Development Office, 685 Good Dr, Lancaster, 17601), or Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church (1068 Chestnut Level Rd, Quarryville, 17566).
Friends will be received from 9:30-11AM with a Memorial Service to begin at 11 AM on Friday, November 7, 2025 at the Charles F. Snyder, III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584.
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Condolences to the Family
November 08, 2025
The Brenner family were wonderful neighbors to the Slotter family and I think of Winnie with great fondness. We had adjoining backyards and the children played together all through their youth. We had a front row seat to Winnie’s marvelous gardens and sometimes the beneficiaries. I was a 25 year old mother with a 1 year old and a newcomer to the area. Winnie was my go-to person for all kinds of help and advice. She seemed so wise and yet she was only two years older. The day that Kennedy was assasinated, I left my napping kids home alone and ran to Winnie. She had a wonderful calming presence which I am sure many folks experienced over the years. My condolences to all of you and I’m sure you have dozens of beautiful memories of life with Winnie. Cherish them. Carole Beech
November 07, 2025
Sorry we were unable to attend today to pay our respects. Your Mom was a very special person and had a wonderful quiet beauty about her. I remember loving to shop the Clothes Tree when she worked there. She had a great eye for fashion. Our sympathy to all of you. Phil and Cindy Stehman
November 06, 2025
Winnie was a part of my life from kindergarten right up until her passing. She was just such a lovely and warm woman who always made you feel welcome. My heart hurts for you all. Kathy Mull & Mike Mull
November 05, 2025
So so sorry to learn of Aunt Winnie’s passing last week! She was so sweet! God rest her soul….and I am sure she is partying it up in heaven with my dad and a ton of other family members we all have up above! 🙏😇❤️ Love, Bianca DeVilla (Brancato) and family
November 05, 2025
I met Winnie when I was hired as the organist at Grace Methodist Church in Millersville where she was a member of the choir. I had the honor of playing for her marriage to Joe. Her sweet smile and friendly nature were obvious from the first time we met. She was truly a caring person who always put others before herself. It was an honor to know her; she will be greatly missed. Carole Jennings
November 04, 2025
I have only great memories of Winnie and Bob. My family was part of that Hillside Hunting Club and grace Church. Lots of memories. And babysitting too. Thinking of all of you. Diane Dombach
November 04, 2025
Please accept my condolences. I am saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. Growing up on Hostetter Drive was some of the best times in my life. Carol, Joni, Jeff the times I did interact with your mom, she was always nice. Even when telling me to stop riding my bike through your back yard while I was taking a short cut. Again, please accept my condolences. David Bower.
November 04, 2025
To Carol and family…Our hearts are with you as you navigate your way through a loss as big as this. Winnie is at peace and watching over all of you from her new home in Heaven. Sending you all hugs of love. Thinking of you all. Pam Adams
November 04, 2025
My condolences to all the family. She will certainly be missed. I remember all the good times visiting in Millersville and Hostetter drive and at the shore. Love, Jackie DeMartino
- Visitation
- Friday, November 07, 2025
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, PA 17584
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, November 07, 2025
- 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, PA 17584
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
