Julia Rigozzi

Rigozzi, Julia Age 91 Bangor Passed into eternal life with Rosary in hand on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at her home with loved ones by her side. Julia was born June 1, 1926, in Chicago, the daughter of the late Walter and Mary Rupczynski and had lived in Bangor for the majority of her life. She left school at the age of 14 to help support her family and the war effort. Julia was a true member of the "Rosie the Riveter" generation. When they learned the war had ended, Julia recalled that she and her co-workers jumped out of the windows and danced in the street. In 1967 Julia fulfilled her lifelong dream by returning to school and earning her high school diploma. Julia was baptized into the Catholic faith at St. Michael the Archangel in Chicago and completed her earthly faith journey as a long time member of Sacred Heart Church in Bangor. At Sacred Heart Julia served with the Daughters of Mary and St. Vincent de Paul and as a lector. Many parishioners enjoyed Julia's lovely voice. Julia was a true servant and also volunteered for over 10 years with Hospice as well as in the records departments of the South Haven Hospital and the Bangor Police Department. She was also very active in many community projects including Kids' Place and the Veterans Memorial. Julia also served on the election board and was very active with the American Legion Auxiliary. Through the years Julia and Dave took the grandchildren on many camping adventures across Michigan and also spent many hours mushroom hunting. Surviving are her 3 children, Susan Reading of Kalamazoo, Mary and Bob Phillips of Kentwood, David III and Shirley Rigozzi of Bangor, 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 3 sisters-in-law, Lucrezia Robertson, Mildred Rigozzi and Mary Louise Rupczynski. She is also survived by her dear pug, Gibson. She was preceded in death by her husband David Jr., daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Leonard Elliot, son-in-law Al Reading and 2 brothers, Walt Jr and Joseph Rupczynski. The family will meet friends on Monday at the Bangor Chapel D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com from 5 - 8 PM with a Rosary service at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church with Fr. German Perez, Celebrant, with a luncheon immediately following Mass. Interment will follow in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bangor Historical Society, Sacred Heart Church, American Legion Post 160 or Hospice at Home.

Julia Rigozzi

June 1, 1926 - March 29, 2018