Annamarie Brancaccio

Annamarie (Vachal) Brancaccio passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 15, 2025, at the age of 83. Annamarie was the beloved wife of Salvatore John Brancaccio, and much-loved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. Born on December 11, 1941, in Lindsborg, Kansas, Annamarie was the cherished daughter of Charles Edward Vachal and Helen A.E. Johnson. Annamarie grew up in Kansas, the child of teachers, and her family later enjoyed wheat farming.

Annamarie was the valedictorian of her class at Glasco High School, graduating in 1960. Additionally, during school she was a drum major, a softball pitcher and played clarinet with the Stardusters band. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from Washburn University with a B.A. in Mathematics in 1964. While in college she served as President and as Treasurer of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. After college, Annamarie taught for a short while in Wisconsin and then met the love of her life, Sal Brancaccio, in Kansas City. They married in Kansas in 1966, and enjoyed 58 years of married life together. After they wed, they began raising a beautiful family of four children together in Bay Shore, Long Island, before moving to Arlington, Texas, in 1979, where they would reside for the remainder of their lives.

Annamarie devoted herself to the care of her family, to which she brought her heart and soul. She loved celebrating special occasions and holidays with loved ones, preparing favorite foods or desserts and displaying festive decorations, creating a warm and welcoming environment. She shared her Swedish and Czech heritage with her family, including on trips back to McPherson and Lindsborg, Kansas, to visit family and friends and to celebrate the Hyllningsfest. She also embraced learning to prepare Italian dishes like lasagna, baked ziti and stuffed artichokes. Annamarie loved being outdoors gardening and tending to her flowers, and spending time with her pet dogs and cats, including Moonbeam. She and Sal delighted in searching for antiques, collecting stretch glass and salt and pepper shakers together over the years, among other collectibles. Annamarie was also an avid tennis player.

Spending time with her children and grandchildren brought her immense happiness, and she was generous with her wisdom, faith and love of life. She enjoyed sharing music, art and travel with her family. Family outings to see The Nutcracker or a musical like Fiddler on the Roof, and family travel at home and abroad left her loved ones with an appreciation of the arts and of the world in which we live. She grew up shortly after the Depression era and was a humble person who found joy in simple everyday activities like watching the birds in her yard, and at the end of each day she had a practice of reflecting on that for which she was grateful.

Annamarie is survived by her four cherished children, her daughter Marian Brancaccio, her son, Dr. Frank Brancaccio and his wife, Dr. Anne, her daughter Helen (Brancaccio) Davidson and her husband Paul, and her son Charles Brancaccio. Annamarie is also survived by five treasured grandchildren, Austin Davidson, Brandon Davidson, Carmen Davidson, Salvatore Brancaccio and Vincent Brancaccio. Her dog and loving companion, Mitzi, will miss her dearly, too. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Charles Edwin Vachal, and her husband.

In remembrance of Annamarie’s life, the family will have visitation at Wade Funeral Home in Arlington from 5 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, September 25, with a prayer vigil that will begin at 8pm. A Funeral Mass for Annamarie will be held at St.Vincent de Paul Church in Arlington on Friday, September 26, at 11am, followed by a reception at the church and burial thereafter.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Houston Holmes and Dr. Yair Levy for the amazing medical care for Annamarie. Donations in Annamarie’s memory may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or The National Audubon Society, though family and friends may also honor her life in any other way of their choosing.

Annamarie Brancaccio will be deeply missed and never forgotten. It was her wish that loved ones remember her when seeing a cardinal or a butterfly, both of which she was especially fond. Her loved ones admired her strength and kindness, and enjoyed the gift of her presence. Annamarie’s legacy of love, family and faith will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in peace.