Irene M. Bruscato

Irene M. Bruscato 98, born Raimonda LaRosa, of Rockford passed away peacefully Friday, April 10, 2015 in Presence St. Anne Center. She was born March 12, 1917 in Ladd, IL, the daughter of Giuseppe and Maria LaRosa. She attended St. Anthony grade school and Muldoon high school. She married Carl J. Bruscato on October 27, 1940 in St. Anthony Church. They were happily married 44 years until Carl's passing in 1984. She and her husband owned and operated Southside Market until Carl's retirement. She then went on to work in A&P's deli and finally as Shopping Bag's deli manager, where she created masterpieces with her
catering artistry, until her retirement at the age of 79. Her real passion besides her family was her love of cooking. No one could talk about Irene without a reference to her pies and cookies and special Italian meals. She was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Church and enjoyed memberships in the National Catholic Foresters and the Altar and Rosary Society.
Irene and Carl had three children, Angelo (Dianna) Bruscato of Rockford, Joe (Elizabeth) Bruscato of Seattle and Carol (Bill) Shoulders of Rockford. She was blessed with three grandchildren, Carl (Stefania) Bruscato of Nashville, Tom (Kristen) Bruscato of Rockford and Stephanie (Jon) Tenconi of Glen Ellyn and five great grandchildren, Kayla, Ana and Natalia Bruscato and Francesca and Jonathan Tenconi. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and
cousins. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Carl, sisters, Christina Zammuto and Lena Cacciatore, brother, Frank LaRosa and two infant siblings. The family would like to thank St. Anne's for the care of Irene, especially to Catherine on South unit and Jodi Jones and Beth on West unit for their constant kindness in their care of Irene. Special thanks to VNA Hospice in her final days.
Funeral mass will be held at 10am Thursday, April 16, 2015 in St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson Street with the Franciscan Friars officiating and the burial in Calvary Cemetery immediately following. Visitation will be held from 5pm until 7pm Wednesday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home on 1860 South Mulford Road. There will also be a short visitation from 9am until 9:45am Thursday in the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials are made to Poor Clares. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com