Martha Scalise

Martha F. Scalise Loving Wife, Mother, Nana, Great-Nana and Sister ROCKFORD - Martha F. Scalise went peacefully to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 2, 2011. Born Martha F. DiBenedetto on Nov. 21, 1921, in Tickfaw, La., to Sam and Mary DiBenedetto. She married the love of her life, Carl J. Scalise, on Dec. 26, 1942, a union of love and respect that lasted 681/2 years. Martha was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Martha's first loves were God and family. She helped with a number of St. Joseph altars and even held altars in her home. She enjoyed camping, fishing, a variety of crafts, palm weaving, reading and traveling. Some of her favorite destinations included family vacations to various lake resorts, Hawaii and a trip to Sicily to visit the birthplace of her father. Martha was a passionate baker who shared her love of Italian cooking and traditions with her family and friends. She loved life and enjoyed being around people. She took great pride in her family and loved visiting her sisters and family in the south. Martha was a dedicated employee of Woodward Governor until her retirement in 1983. She donated much of her time and talent to many charitable organizations, including Marine Auxiliary, Mother of Twins Club, St. Mary Good Time Club, Catholic Women's League Charity Guild, Belvidere Craft Group, and Sew-B-It Quilters. She is survived by her loving husband, Carl; sons, Carl (Sharon) Scalise, Sam (Margee) Scalise and Dan (Merlene) Scalise; twin daughters, Rosie (Craig) Sheridan and Patti (John) Steinkamp; grandchildren, Carl (Robin) Scalise, Crystal and Trisha Wolford, Karl, Nick and Chris (Angela Garcia) Steinkamp, Heather Scalise, Grant Scalise, Marta (Chad) Sheridan and Tricia Sheridan, Tiffany (Leo) Villarreal, Eric Drake and Lisa Hicks and Matthew (Carie) Shealy; great-grandchildren, Nicole and C.J. Scalise, Miaca, Alex, Riannon Perez, Darren Hicks and Mason Drake, and Alana and Marik Shealy; sisters, Rose Cotton and Jeanette Perise. Preceded in death by parents, Sam and Mary DiBenedetto; brothers, Roy and Gus DiBenedetto; sisters, Josephine Liles and Sarah Peebles. The family would like to thank the staff and residents of River Bluff Nursing Home for their loving care and friendship, especially Meghan. Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, June 6, in St. Anthony of Padua Church, with visitation from 9 a.m. to service time. The Franciscan Friars will officiate. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to River Bluff Nursing Home Activities Department. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel. To send condolences, visit www.fitzgerald fh.com.