Vincenza (Jeanine) Theresa Fiorelli, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 10, 2021, surrounded by the love of her family and friends both near and far.Jeanine was the oldest child and only daughter of Antony and Frances Pasquale, born February 20, 1938, in Chicago Heights IL. After a couple of years, Antony and Frances moved their young family to the Niagara Falls area of New York. There they established a long and successful business in home building and wholesale buildings supplies. Jeanine graduated from LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls, NY, Class of 1956. Jeanine’s portrait sat on the buffet of her Uncle Vince and Auntie Dena’s home in Chicago Heights. This portrait caught the eye of a young hard-working Italian and soon a romance commenced. Jeanine married Luigi Fiorelli on June 14, 1958 in Chicago Heights. John (1959) and Maria (1963) completed their young family. After a few years, Luigi’s blossoming career with Ford Motor Company took the family to Flat Rock, MI where they have made their home for the past 56 years. Luigi and Jeanine spent many wonderful years together raising their family, traveling to their home in Italy, with friends, and spending time at their cabin on Long Lake.Jeanine lovingly gave her time to many roles both in the community and in business. She was a recess teacher, brownie leader, and a member of Flat Rock Soroptimist. La Bottega was her first retail boutique business and Ice Cream Parlor. She began a catering business which was the beginning of Fiorelli’s Restaurant and Catering, now known as Fiorelli’s Restaurant Collection. Jeanine was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. Besides her faith, Jeanine’s greatest joy and most precious role was that of grandma. No grandchild went hungry when they came to grandma’s house. The click of the door handle and the stampede of hungry kids through her kitchen put that unforgettable smile on her face. There was always a pot of water boiling, chicken in the oven, or sauce in the pan. Jeanine, the Matriarch of our family, gave us many gifts of which included her faith, her Italian traditions, and above all love of family. Memories she created overflow our hearts. Most of those were around good food and a lot of laughter around the dining room table, full of family. The 7 fishes at Christmas, Lentil soup, Cioffoli, Lamb at Easter, Spitzadean, cream puffs, and of course her famous meatballs. As I open the sympathy cards ... each person has reminded me of my mom’s wonderful laugh. She had this infectious giggle that everyone recognized when she entered a room or laughed at something.Our sincere thanks to Darlene VanNote, Jeanine’s best friend, and up north neighbor for many years. A special thanks to Father Rick Hartmann her spiritual mentor for many years. We would also like to thank the many caregivers, first responders, and staff at Beaumont Trenton for their outstanding care and devotion to Jeanine during her short illness especially Dr. Margaret McQuiston and Dr Michael Kalata. Jeanine was preceded in death by her parents Antony and Frances, a brother Louis, sister-in-law Joanne, nephew Louie, brother-in-law Otello, sister-in-law Iolanda. She survived by her devoted husband of 63 years Luigi, son John (Pam)Fiorelli, daughter Maria (Todd) Hanes, nephew Marco (Sandra) Fiorelli, grandchildren, Luigi, Gianni, Adam, Terni, Emilie, Mia, Siena, and Luca, brothers Anthony (Gloria) Pasquale, Francis (Maria) Pasquale, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.The family will receive friends on Monday, April 26th from 12-7 at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home, Luigi will graciously be there from 4-7 PM to see family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 27th at St. Roch Catholic Church at starting at 10 AM. She will Lie in State at church from 9:30 AM until Mass. Officiating will be Fr. Ray Lewandowski and Fr. Rick Hartmann. Entombment will follow at Michigan Memorial Park.
Condolences
Kelly and I just heard of Mrs. Fiorelli's passing and are so sorry to hear of her loss. We had the great fortune of meeting her a few times over the years, and reading her story here only helps us understand how her life inspired so many in her family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Chuck and Kelly Voelker
So sorry to hear of Jeanine's passing and being unable to pay my respects to the family in person. Marian Pichan
Luigi, Maria , John and families.
Frank and I and especially My Mom Lucia send our deepest condolences. Mom spoke with Jeanine regularly which always ended in laughter ❤️
Mom remembers snd tells stories when they lived together in the Falls with Uncle Tony and Aunt Frances. Beautiful memories will always be with us. May you Rest In Peace Jeanine. Linda/Frank Laratta
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fiorelli family at this very sad time.
Much love from all the Dwyers in MA, CT & VT Debbie Dwyer
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