Mrs. Clara Brandonisio, 89, died on May 18, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph, MI. Clara was born on October 16, 1927 in Blytheville, AR to Clarence Vernon and Mary Mae Nokes, but was raised by her grandparents Bill and Alice Howard in Cottonwood Point, MO following the death of her parents when she was four years old. She married Frank Brandonisio in 1949 in Benton Harbor and together they raised their children on a farm in Spinks Corners. He preceded her in death in 1996. She is survived by her five children Helen Degraw of Benton Harbor, Marian (Gerald) Elkins of Joplin, MO, Jim (Rae) Brandonisio of Benton Harbor, Teresa (Dennis) Frizzell of Stevensville, and Tina (Rick) Goricki of Aptos, CA. Other survivors include grandchildren John (Karen) Frizzell, Jessica (Jai) Motwani, Jamie (Taso) Bilionis, Katherine Goricki, Michael (Sarah) Brandonisio, Elizabeth (Brett) Corbit, Austin Filkins, Nicole (Ryan) Kelley, Jody (Kassie) Elkins, Geriann (Garry) Blue, Patrick Elkins, Jerry D. (Anna) Elkins and granddaughter-in-law Deborah Pennington as well as 21 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, grandparents, and husband, Clara was preceded in death by sisters Betty Marie Clouse, Alice Geneva Moody, and Elver Inez Nokes; brothers Vernon, Paul, and Harry Nokes; grandson Chad Frank Elkins; great-granddaughter Melanie Frizzell; and son-in-law Edmond Degraw. Clara truly enjoyed her weekly trips to Sandy Beaver’s Beauty Shop to get her hair done and visit with her many friends there. She faithfully attended mass at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Benton Harbor. A particular delight was cooking her famous pasta and meatballs for family gatherings. She worked in the dietary department for the Benton Harbor School System, with most of her working years spent at Johnson Elementary School on Territorial Road where the children all called her “Mrs. B”. She was an Avon lady for many years and delighted in sewing, quilting and gardening. Visitation is scheduled for Clara from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rosary being recited at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at St. Bernards Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor with Fr. Harold Potter officiating. Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Frizzell, Michael Brandonisio, Jody Elkins, Austin Filkins, Jai Motwani, Brett Corbit, Rick Goricki, and Dennis Frizzell. Memorials may be made to The National Kidney Foundation. Those wishing to share a memory of Clara online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.