Mary Grace Bratton Rankl

Mary Grace Bratton Rankl, 77, of Marlborough, CT, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2020 in Florida with her beloved daughter, Gerie, and granddaughter, Sydney, by her side. Born July 18, 1942 in Waterbury, CT, she was the daughter of the late Edith King Bratton and Gerald Bratton. Mary was an entrepreneur, starting at the early age of 18. She was a jack of all trades, if she could buy it or start it, it became a business. She owned a driving school in her early 20’s, antique shops, pub bars in both CT and FL, commercial and residential real estate owner and maintenance guru. When it came to fixing something, Mary was your gal, she could fix anything as she was a perfectionist. As much as she loved to work, she also loved to play, roulette and blackjack were her favorite. She and her late husband,Tom, would host card games at their house on many occasions - if there was a card game to be had, it was at their house. They loved gambling and even married in Las Vegas. Her nickname was “Midnight Mary” - she would be up all hours of the night, cooking a meal, cleaning the house or fixing something, all while others were sleeping. She had a zest for life and lived life to the fullest. If she wanted to do it, she did and she never met a person she didn’t like. She always spoke her mind - you never wondered what she was thinking...she had many friends, from all walks of life, everywhere she went, she knew someone. If anyone needed help, Mary was there. In the early years, Mary played softball and was an over the fence hitter and great outfielder. People came to the ball field just to watch her play. She was also a gun enthusiast and was an NRA Instructor for most of her adult life. She was heavily involved and an active member in many organizations including the American Legion Auxiliary, Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Women of the Moose, Elks, and the DAV Auxiliary. Mary is survived by her daugher, Gerie Vogt of Lake Mary, FL and her granddaughter Sydney Vogt of Lake Mary, FL. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Edward Rankl and son-in-law, Robert Scott Vogt. Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, the Celebration of Mary’s life has been postponed until a later time during the Summer of 2020. There will be a Mass held in her name at St. Johns Fisher in Marlborough, CT at 8:30 am on March 15. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society for lung cancer research, 800.227.2345 or www.cancer.org. To leave online condolences, please visit www.degusipe.com, DeGusipe Funeral Home. Please return to our website at a later date during the early summer for an update of services.

Mary Grace Bratton Rankl

July 18, 1942 - February 10, 2020