Mary S. Portolese

Mary S. Portolese, 87, of Mishawaka, passed away early Sunday morning, January 17, 2016, in North Woods Village in Mishawaka.

Mary was born May 1, 1928 in Massena, New York, a daughter of the late Rocco and Anna (Trimboli) Romeo. She graduated from Massena High School in 1946.

On October 8, 1949, Mary married Ross A. Portolese in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Massena. Following marriage the couple made Mishawaka their home.

Mary and her husband, Ross, along with her sister and her husband, Sara and Rocco Zappia, owned and operated the BK Drive Inn in Mishawaka from 1961 to 1988. She was a long time member of St. Monica Catholic Church and the Rosary Society. Mary enjoyed reading and had a flair for interior design.

Mary’s family was the center of her life. Those she leaves behind include her husband of over 66 years, Ross; a son, Frank (Cora) Portolese of Green Oaks, Illinois; a daughter, Margaret “Margi” (Robert) Rosetti of Attleboro, Massachusetts; a grandson, Mark Portolese of Kalamazoo, Michigan; a sister, Sara (Rocco) Zappia of Mishawaka; many nieces and nephews; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Bruno Romeo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, January 20, at 10 am in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Monsignor Bruce Piechocki officiating. Entombment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Friends may spend time with Mary’s family Tuesday, January 19, from 3 - 7 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6 pm. Visitation is also Wednesday from 9 - 10 am in the church.

Memorials are suggested to Great Lakes Caring Hospice. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.