Mary CATANZARITE

7 FEB 1927 - 17 JUN 2013

• BIRTH: 7 FEB 1927, Mishawaka, IN
• BURIAL: Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka, IN
• DEATH: 17 JUN 2013, Mishawaka, IN

• MARRIAGE: 23 AUG 1947, St. Monica Catholic, Mishawaka, IN

INDEX

[N4871] Mary Simeri
Feb. 7, 1927 - June 17, 2013
MISHAWAKA - Mary Simeri passed away peacefully from complications of a heart attack with her family at her side on June 17, 2013. She was born Maria Catanzarite on February 7, 1927 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Anthony and Frances Catanazarite. Proud of being a life-long resident of Mishawaka, she began an early career as secretary at Ball Band/Uniroyal. At an Italian wedding with her family, she first laid eyes on the love of her life, Joseph Simeri whom she married on August 23, 1947 at Saint Monica's Church in Mishawaka, Indiana. Joseph and Mary shared over 65 wonderful years of marriage until his death in November 2012. Mary is survived by two sisters, Josephine (late Patrick) Simeri of Granger and Rita (late Richard) Rucano of Mishawaka; and a sister-in-law, Julia (late Rocco) Ameduri of South Bend. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Tony (Stephanie) Rucano of Granger, Marie Rucano of Mishawaka, Richard (Dusty) Rucano of Mishawaka, Francine (Matt) Riley of Mishawaka, Patti Simeri of Florida, Rosemary (Kevin) Pickrell of South Bend, Gina (Terry) Kelly of Valparaiso, Rosemary Mandrici of South Bend, John Rapelli of South Bend, Leona Rapelli of South Bend, Linda (Warren) Verteramo of South Bend, Gina (Larry) Loebach of South Bend, Louis Ruscio of South Bend and Mary Grace (Ernest) Keresztes of South Bend. She is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Mary, alongside her husband, began a successful career in the grocery business by opening one of north-side Mishawaka's first grocery stores, Normain Heights super, located on McKinley Avenue. It was there that she met so many wonderful people and developed life-long friendships. Her passion for work did not stop there. Mary and Joe risked all that they had, borrowed all that they could, and built the first strip mall, JMS Plaza, located on 4609 Grape Road, Mishawaka. It was there that she ran the daily office operations. Her biggest joy was to see others as happy in marriage as she was, so she opened the Plaza Bridal Boutique. It was there, for 17 years, that she helped others begin their dream of marriage before retiring. Mary enjoyed politics, including working for her husband's campaigns. She also enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, visiting many friends and family. Most of all, Mary and Joe enjoyed their annual trips to Florida, sharing that with her family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mary's personal caregivers, who for the last few years had taken special care of her, the Center for Hospice and Dr. Afyouni, her family physician. She was truly a beautiful woman inside and out, with an infectious smile that could light up any room, and her personality that always saw the best in people, always with a compliment. Best remembered by her family is the song Mary and Joe would sing, "You Are My Sunshine". She was truly the sunshine of her family's lives, and although the skies feel a little cloudy today for us, now that she has joined her husband Joe in heaven, I'm sure the sun is shining bright with not a cloud in the sky. She will truly be missed and loved. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 20, 2013 from 1:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Rosary to be recited at 4:00 pm at the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 21st at 12:30 pm, with one hour visitation prior, at the St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Rd., Granger, IN, with Monsignor William Schooler officiating. Entombment will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. The family requested memorial contributions be made to Hospice Palliative Care Center, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637. Online condolences may be made at bubbfuneralchapel.com.
Published in South Bend Tribune on June 19, 2013