A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Sue Merenda Serafin who passed away at St. Louise Hospital on May 18, 2011. Born in Arma, Kansas to Frank and Mary Merenda, she was 89 years old. Sue came with her family to Gilroy in 1937. She graduated from Gilroy High School and Hartnell College.
Sue married Louis Serafin in 1941 just prior to him shipping off to combat in the Pacific Theater. Following the death of her husband in 1959, Sue worked in the Personnel Office at Filice & Perelli Canning Company which later became California Canners and Growers until her retirement in 1989.
During her retirement, Sue enjoyed traveling and visited several countries in Europe, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Alaska. Her last overseas adventure was in 2001 when she traveled to Italy with her son and his family to celebrate her 80th birthday.
Other interests included cheering for a wide variety of athletic teams, playing bridge as often as possible, and taking trips to Reno or nearby Indian casinos to test her luck. She was an avid 49er faithful fan dating back to when she was an original season ticket holder. She was also thrilled to finally see the SF Giants win the World Series. She was a member of Women in Touch II and St. Mary’s Parish.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband Louis, her brothers Joe Merenda and Jim Merenda, and her sister Angie Kellar. She is survived by her son Ken (Barbara) Serafin of Lincoln, CA and daughter Carol (Dennis) Smith of Brentwood, CA. She leaves three devoted grandchildren, Melanni (Paul) Leary, Lindsey Serafin and Christopher Serafin and two precious great-grandchildren, Beau and Hazel Leary. She also leaves her sister Rose Caruso, sisters-in-law Alice Merenda and Mimi Serafin, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Viewing will be on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at Habing Family Funeral Home from 3:00-7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at 12:00 noon at St. Mary Church. Burial to follow at St. Mary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences at habingfamilyfuneralhome.com
