JoAnn Viscuso, 55, of Branford, died unexpectedly Dec. 27 at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

She was a graduate of East Haven High School and received a certificate of phlebotomy at Gateway Community College. In her earlier years, JoAnn was a dance teacher, and she was currently worked as a phlebotomist at Quest Diagnostics in Madison and Nationwide Security Corporation in North Haven.

JoAnn was a cheerleading coach for Branford Youth Football and St. Mary Grammar School. She was an outstanding mother, and dedicated her life to making her daughters’ dreams come true. She had a contagious, vibrant personality, and always went above and beyond for her family. JoAnn especially enjoyed time spent in the kitchen, she was always cooking something delicious. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church in Branford; and a devoted mother, godmother, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her father Alfred Brigante, Sr., and his companion Pat Ballaro; daughters Andrea and Danielle Viscuso of Branford; sisters Marcella Coart and her husband Peter, Mary Mathis and Chris-Philip Onofrio, and Ali Marottoli and her husband Salvatore; brother Alfred Brigante, Jr., and his wife Lorraine; former husband Michael Viscuso of Branford; and multiple nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother Mary Brigante; sister Ann Parisi; and niece and goddaughter Melissa Marottoli Hogan.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian burial Thursday, Jan. 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Branford. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday, Jan. 1 from 5-8 p.m. at the Porto Funeral Home, 234 Foxon Rd. (RT 80), East Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations in JoAnn’s name can be made to The Melissa Marottoli Hogan Foundation, which supports lung cancer research, in honor of her sister Ann Parisi, and niece and goddaughter Melissa Marottoli Hogan. Porto Funeral Home, East Haven, is in charge of arrangements. Sign JoAnn’s guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.