Obituary of Michelina Sanzari

Sanzari, Michelina (nee Ruggieri), age 82 of Totowa, entered into eternal life on April 3, 2014. Born in San Lorenzello, prov. di Benevento, Italy she came to the U.S in 1963 residing in Paterson before moving to Totowa in 1995. Mrs. Sanzari dedicated her life to her family. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband of over 30 years, Pasquale, in 1987. Surviving are her three children, Carmela Frequenza and her husband Giuseppe of Totowa, Silvana Marchese and her husband Giovanni of Totowa, and son, Michele Sanzari of Totowa. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Stephanie Marchese Forrest and her husband Richard Brant of Hillsborough, Michelle Marchese of Totowa, and Michael and Patrick Frequenza of Totowa. She is survived by her two sisters, Italia Giarusso of Hawthorne and Elena D'Ambrosio and her husband Tonino of Wayne. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Jenny Ruggieri of Lodi, Italia & Candido Sagnella of Totowa, Phyllis & Martin Conte of Fair Lawn, and Angelina Sanzari of Hawthorne. She was predeceased by her two sibilings, the late Elvira Sanzari, and Vincenzo Ruggieri and her brothers-in-law, Louis Giarusso & Mario Sanzari. She was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Michelina embodied the true meaning of unwavering, unconditional love. In addition to being a devoted homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother, Michelina loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed gardening. She took pride in her vegetable garden and she liked to use whatever she grew when preparing homemade meals for her family. Michelina also enjoyed listening to Italian music and actively watched the cooking channel. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, on Monday at 8:45 AM. Funeral Mass to follow at St. James R.C. Church, Totowa at 9:30 AM. Entombment at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, Paterson. Family and friends may visit Sunday 3-7 PM.