Rosalie E. Siriano

Rosalie E. Siriano, 90, of Benton Harbor, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2011 at her home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor, with Fr. William J. Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Friends may call beginning at 9:00 A.M. Tuesday at the Church. Memorials may be made to St. John-St. Bernard Parish. Those wishing to sign Rosalie's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Rosalie was born on June 15, 1920 in Chicago Heights, IL. to Anna (Manalli) and Alex Shugar. She grew up on Butler Street, a close knit community where she formed lifelong friendships and memories to treasure throughout her life, graduating from Bloom High School in 1938. She married her wonderful husband, Joseph Siriano, at St. Rocco's Church on February 21, 1943. During World War II she worked at a defense plant for a short time then joined her husband in Ephrata, WA. until he left for Guam. After the war ended she returned with her husband to his hometown of Benton Harbor where she worked for her in laws at the Greenland Inn Restaurant for several years. She was a Brownie leader at North Shore School and volunteered at St. John's and St. Bernard's where she was a charter member of the parish. She was a lifelong Cubs fan and hardly ever missed Jeopardy. Rosalie loved her large extended family, each and every one. She was happiest cooking, baking her wonderful cookies and caring in any way possible for her family. She was a beautiful and kind woman and along with her dear husband leaves a legacy of love. Survivors include her son, Sam Siriano of Benton Harbor; daughter, Kathleen (Randall) Swetish of Marstons Mills, MA. and son-in-law Nicholas Provenzano of Indianapolis. She is also survived by grandchildren: Kristen vonHentschel of Mashpee, MA., Mark Provenzano of Austin, TX, and Dylan (Meaghan) Swetish of Scituate, MA. Great grandchildren are: Aja Rose vonHentschel of Mashpee, MA. and Phoebe, Ethan and William Peter Swetish of Scituate, MA. All were the lights of her life and brought her so much joy. She is also survived by her godchild, Patricia Kutz of St. Joseph. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, Joseph (1999) and precious daughter, Johann Provenzano (2000). She was also predeceased by a brother, Theodore Shugar who passed as a child. She also leaves behind her sisters, Theodora Bruni of Glenwood, IL. and Sarah Willis of Sacramento, CA. In addition she was grateful for her dear friends LaVern and Bill Kulick and Carol and Roland Bowman. She was thankful for the kindness and support of her niece, Charmaine Hanners.