Vincenza "Enza" "Enza" Guarisco

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived that we announce the passing of Enza Guarisco. She joined her beloved Tony in peaceful rest on August 8, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100. Her life was an epic adventure that began on December 2, 1924, in Santa Maria a Vico, in the Province of Caserta, Italy. She was the second oldest daughter of Antonio and Anna Piscitelli, who preceded her in death, along with all of her siblings, Rosaria, Vincenzo, Damiano, Sylvio, Michelena, and Elena; husband, Tony, and two of her three cherished sons. She met her husband Tony during the Second World War. Born in Burgio, Sicily, he immigrated to Kalamazoo, Michigan, with his parents, Ottavio and Mary (Ciluffo) Guarisco at the age of three. As a young man, he joined the United States Army and became an asset on the Italian front, providing easy communication with the locals in Caserta, including Enza's brothers, who assisted the encamped Americans by supplying them with milk and cheese. Tony was instantly smitten with Enza and vowed to return for her at the end of the war. In 1946, he and his father did just that, making the long transport across the Atlantic back to Santa Maria a Vico, where they spent several months with Enza and her family. During this time, Enza and Tony were not only united in marriage, but the two families forged a bond that would span generations. When the newlyweds boarded a Marine Shark headed for New York, she was already carrying their first child, Ottavio, who survives her and lives with his wife, Lynda in Richland. Enza had a unique quality that invited admiration without effort, which was perfectly complemented by a humility that made her endlessly likable and easily adored. Upon her arrival in Kalamazoo, Enza was quickly and easily endeared to her brothers and sisters-in-law Nino (Sue), Jasper (Edith), Josephine (Harold Crawford), and Carmen (Joann), all of whom, along with their spouses and some of their children, have preceded her in death. Enza often lamented the loss of so many before her, but she also cherished the richness of their time together on Earth and maintained an unshakeable faith in their eventual reunion. The Guarisco family resided on Walnut Street, where they operated the Guarisco Grocery. They were members of the Italian American St. Joseph Society and, along with many other Italian families, enjoyed a life in Kalamazoo that celebrated their heritage, placed family second only to God, and thrived on good-natured fun. They welcomed two more sons, Tony and Michael (both deceased) before moving to Galesburg in 1963. There, they became members of St. Ann Catholic Church, where they hosted many spaghetti dinners, carrying on the St. Joseph Society tradition of pairing fellowship with good food. Enza was the cornerstone of her family--a wonderful storyteller and a guiding beacon of light. Her wisdom was as timeless as her taste, and she taught us how to treasure small moments and appreciate the simplest of things: a fresh garden tomato, a Sunday meal shared with the people you love, and always a good story. Her laughter was joyful, warm, and impossible not to join. Even in sorrow, her faith in God was enduring, and her example of unconditional love a testament to the Light of Christ within her. In addition to her son Tov, and daughter-in-law, Lynda, she is survived by her grandchildren, Tina (David) Wickert, Tammy (Greg) Keagle, Brad (Aimee Dixon) Guarisco, Kristi (Steve) Estrada, Angela (Matt Wilson) Guarisco, Michael Damian Cogswell Guarisco, Michael Anthony Guarisco, Anna Guarisco; great-grandchildren, Anthony Grafft, Chelsea (Brian) Keeler, Haven Keagle, Enza Estrada, Mila Estrada, and great-great grandchildren, Alexander, Beverly, and Louis; nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends, many of whom knew her simply as Nonna--a title woven with love, tradition, and quiet strength.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, Michigan, with Father David Pinto as Celebrant and Deacon Michael Carl assisting. Graveside services will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Immediately following the graveside service, family and friends will be received at the home of Kristi and Steve Estrada. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in her honor to The Sanctuary at St. Ann, https://thesanctuarymichigan.com/. May her legacy of belief continue to inspire others, as it has inspired all of us. Rest in peace, Nonna. You were our heart and always will be.