Nora Cirigliano

Nora Audrey (Mingrone) Cirigliano
November 6, 1922 - January 28, 2012
Resident of San Jose
Nora Audrey (Mingrone) Cirigliano passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 28, 2012, at the age of 89. She was born on November 6, 1922, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Italian immigrant parents Leonardo and RosaMaria Mingrone. Nora lived one of the greatest love stories of her generation for 63 years with her husband Frank (now departed). She is survived by her children John Cirigliano, Patricia Larkin (David), Rosann Filice (John), and Clarmarie Pillsbury (Jerry). She was a loving grandmother to DJ and Tom Larkin, Gianna and Annette Filice, and Leah and Christina Pillsbury. Nora is also survived by her brothers-in-law Joseph and Richard Cirigliano, and sister-in-law Barbara Mingrone. As "Aunt Nora" she will be missed by her 29 nieces and nephews.
After graduating from San Jose High School in 1939, Nora worked for American Optical Company in downtown San Jose, until she married Frank in 1946. From her experience living through the Great Depression Nora developed resilience to struggle that was exemplified in her tireless work as a caretaker for her family, friends and community. During WWII, after a day's work, she took the bus to San Jose Hospital and volunteered as a nurse's aide for the "Victory Shift" during the evening hours. For 25 years she served the families of Hester Elementary as a teacher aide where she made lifelong friends with her fellow teachers. She was a devoted member of the Catholic church and along with her husband Frank, was steadfast in her efforts to restore Sacred Heart Church after its damage in the earthquake of 1989. Nora made room in her home and her heart for many family and friends in times of emotional or physical need. Her kitchen table served as a gathering spot where countless people shared their joys and sorrows. Her love for cooking and offering food to others provided a multitude of memories for all who crowded into her house for her famous Italian meals. The only thing bigger than her heart was her never-ending pasta bowl.
Friends and loved ones are invited to attend a Rosary Service on Thursday February 2nd, at 7:00 pm at LIMA-CAMPAGNA-ALAMEDA MISSION CHAPEL, 600 S. Second Street San Jose, CA 95112. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 3rd at SACRED HEART CHURCH, 325 Willow Street, San Jose, CA 95110. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara, CA, 95050. The family asks that donations be made to Catholic Charities or the charity of your choice.