Vincenza Pantalena

Vincenza was surrounded by her loving family when she went home to her Lord on November 23, 2024. Vincenza was born to Rocco and Caterina Pascaretta on September 18, 1936 in Vietri di Potenza, Italy. In 1956 at the age of 19 she had an opportunity to come to America with her father. One year later she returned to Italy to marry the love of her life, Nunzio Pantalena on May 15, 1957. Shortly after the wedding Vincenza returned to America, without Nunzio, to complete her citizenship. They reunited in 1958 when they settled in Detroit and started their family. Vincenza and Nunzio were married 67 years, and they had three children: Francesco (Susan) Pantalena, Rocco (Kandi) Pantalena and Antonietta Pantalena. In 1974 they moved from Detroit to Sterling Heights and then in 2015 to her final home in Romeo, to be near family. Vincenza worked at Mario Olives and Dresden Elementary School as a crossing guard and lunch lady. She was an active member of the Comfort Makers and Rosary Makers at St. Clement Catholic Church. Vincenza loved Jesus, her family, gardening, making rosaries and crocheting slippers (Christmas presents given to all family members every year). She loved playing in the dirt. She always prided herself on her rose and vegetable garden while living in Sterling Heights. When she moved to Romeo, she lost her garden space and started small gardens at each of her children’s homes. She loved spending Saturdays with her beloved sister, Angelina. She treasured and cherished the memories she made with her family. She was most proud of her grandchildren. Some of their favorite memories with their Nonnie/Grandma were Sunday Dinners, slippers for Christmas, family vacations, Trick-or-Treating, sporting events, baking Christmas cookies, working outside with the boys, and gardening with the girls. Her grandchildren will never forget the life lessons she taught them and will carry them with them forever. She is survived by her loving husband, sister, children, grandchildren; Rachel (Jonathan) Korth, Giovanni Pantalena, Bri (Alex) Lee, Christine (Andrew) Cymbalski, Michelle (Noah) Klein, Andre (Natalie) Pantalena, great-grandchild, Arthur and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings; Rosina (Vincenzo Fabio), Guiseppe Pascaretta, Gerardo and Anina. Visitation Tuesday from 2-8pm with a 7pm Sharing of Memories at Wujek - Calcaterra & Sons Inc., (Shelby) 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. Funeral Wednesday Instate from 9:30am until time of 10am Mass at St. Clement Catholic Church, 343 S Main St, Romeo, MI 48065. Immediately following Vincenza’s Funeral Mass there will be a luncheon held at Shelby Gardens, 50265 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI 48317. Entombment, Resurrection Cemetery, there will be a 2pm Committal Service, all are welcome to gather inside the main gate of the cemetery. Please share memories with the family at their online Guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Vincenza Pantalena

September 18, 1936 - November 23, 2024