Vanette G. Bray, age 71, of New Lenox, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, May 12, 2023 surrounded by family. Survived by her husband of 52 years Greg Bray, her daughter Nikki (Ernie) Jack, two grandchildren Chloe and Finley Jack, her sisters and best friends, Mary Lou (Fred) Dillman and Dianne (Bernie) Wilhelmi, nieces and nephews Kim Sarnowski, Denise (Kevin) McDonnell, Fred (Lynn) Dillman, Tracy Stokes, Kris (Mark) Mietsner, Jodi Wilhelmi, Scott Sarnowski, and Will (Deb) Van Gorder, grandnieces Jessica (Seth) Cronin and Madison Johnson, grandnephew Justin Johnson, sisters-in-law Cindy (Ray) Sarnowski, Bonnie Van Gorder, and Greer (Don) Little, numerous great nieces and great nephews, and many close friends. Vanette was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Jean Van Gorder, her brothers William and Charles Van Gorder, and her niece Denise Sarnowski.

Vanette was a graduate of Bremen High School class of 1969. She owned and operated her own salon "Fantasia" for 30 years. In her second career, Vanette was an interior designer for 20 years and she also had a passion and a talent for all forms of art. She was extremely creative and eccentric. Qualities which made her unique. She loved to travel to beach locations, especially Hawaii, and she loved to entertain. Vanette had a special place in her heart for animals. She supported many local animal shelters and donated to various animal rescues over the years. You could easily find her on the side of the road rescuing an animal in need. Vanette was also an active contributor to the Smile Train. Vanette will be remembered for her vibrant personality, accenting her persona with leopard prints, bright colors, and all things that sparkle, and her kind and giving nature. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother "GooGoo", aunt, sister, and friend to many. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life for Vanette will be held on her birthday May 23rd, 2023, at CD&Me, 23320 South LaGrange Rd., Frankfort, IL 60423 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. A light fare will be served, along with desserts (with an emphasis on chocolate). A balloon launch in her memory will take place at 7:00 P.M. All are welcome to attend. Please honor her by dressing in bright colors, animal prints and maybe a little bit of bling. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.