Christine M. Fileti

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Christine M. Fileti, 86, formerly of Ridgewood, N.J., and Harwich, died peacefully, with her family at her side, on Jan. 24, 2008, at the Glacier Hills Nursing Center in Ann Arbor.

She was predeceased in December 2006 by her beloved husband of 59 years, Robert R. Fileti, and in March 2004 by their son, Robert F. Fileti.

Chris was born on Nov. 9, 1921, in West Orange, N.J., to Richard and Christina Morrissey. Orphaned by her 8th birthday, she was then raised by her Aunt Mae and Uncle Bill McCloskey. She graduated from Orange High School.

During World War II, Chris met, the love of her life, Bob Fileti, her handsome Navy man. They married in September 1947 and settled in Ridgewood, N.J., where they raised their six children.

After 35 years in Ridgewood, Bob and Chris retired to Cape Cod. Chris was always actively involved in school, parish and community activities. She also served as a Eucharistic minister.

Four years ago, they relocated to Ann Arbor to be close to family. Bob died in December 2006 ending a 59-year union. Chris missed him terribly and now they are lovingly reunited.

She is survived by her children, Bill (Cecilia) Fileti of Ann Arbor, Christine (Martin) Aderhold of Ridgewood, N.J., Tom (Wendy) Fileti of Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., Marybeth (Tom) Luptowski of Alpharetta, Ga., and Alison (Bill) Milus of Canton, Mich.; Her son Bob, married to Donna Lifson of Glen Ridge, N.J., died in 2004. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Chris was the kindest, sweetest, most caring person anyone could know. She was constantly looking after others, even during these last years when her incredibly sharp mind was devastated by Alzheimers. She was a most loving Mom and Grandma. She was tenderly cared for by the compassionate staff at Glacier Hills for which we are deeply grateful. We are also indebted to the outstanding staff at the University of Michigan for their clinical excellence, and the skilled Arbor Hospice team for their extraordinary support.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of one's choice.

Visitation will be at the Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood, N.J., on Jan. 27, 2008, from 2 to 5 p.m. Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ridgewood, N.J., on Jan. 28, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, N.J., where she will be laid to rest with her husband and their son Bob.