Lora Pauline Bracco died Wednesday morning, April 1, 2009, at the Crest Nursing Home in Butte, Montana.

      Lora was born to Joseph and Ann Chandak on July 21, 1919, in Algoma, Idaho, and moved to Butte in 1926.   She attended the Harrison School and after her graduation from Butte High, she moved to San Francisco to work. She returned to Butte two years later.   She married Pete Bracco in August of 1941 and had lived in Butte ever since.

      In her early years, as devoted mother and housewife, she worked with her very talented hands in sewing, ceramics, crafts, oil painting and even woodworking by crafting a baby crib for a granddaughter.   She also participated in the Butte Flower Club and received many ribbons for her unique plants.   She was rewarded and awarded in many ways for her dedication to volunteerism by participating as a mentor in the Butte Literacy Program, Hospice Easter Seals, the Silver Bow General Hospital Auxiliary and the Copper City Women’s Club.

      She also had a soft spot for the elderly, so one could find her running errands for neighbors and friends.

      In her chronically gifted years, she moved to the Marquis Vintage Suites, where she socialized with many friends and was always in the front of the line to participate in the social activities.

      She was preceded in death by her parents;   husband, Pete;   sister, Irene Sennett;   and brother, David Centoni.

      She is survived by her children, Madlyn Bracco-Taylor of Arizona, and Antone Bracco of Butte;   grandchildren, Lori Ann Jantzen of Tucson, Brittney Bauer and husband, Eric, of Missoula;   Luke Bracco of Fargo, N.D.;   great- grandchildren, Amber and Zachary DiMasi-Jantzen, Layne Bauer and Taylor Bracco;   as well as several nieces and nephews.

      In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place in Butte.   Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.   Visitation will be begin at 10 a.m.   Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.

      Published in The Montana Standard on Apr. 05, 2009.