Julia (Simeri) Ameduri

Julia Ameduri, 99, of South Bend, Indiana passed away peacefully at 9:29 a.m. Thursday, March 23, 2017 in her home, surrounded by her loving family.
  She was born on November 7, 1917 in Gioiosa Ionica Reggio Calabria, Italy to the late Louis and Rose (Linarello) Simeri. Along with her parents; she was also preceded in death by a grandson, Nicholas Loebach; two sisters, Carmella Rappelli; Natalie Ruscio; and one brother, Joseph Simeri.
  On November 21, 1946, as Julia Simeri, she married Rocco Ameduri, who preceded her in death on September 6, 2008.
  Julia is survived by her two daughters, Linda (Warren) Verteramo of South Bend, Indiana; Gina (Larry) Loebach of South Bend, Indiana; five grandchildren, Rocky (Gina) Verteramo; Daniel (Alison) Verteramo; Julianna (Justin) Koselke; Angela (Joshua O’Brien) Loebach; Gabriella Loebach; and four great-grandchildren.
  Julia came to the United States with her family in 1930 from Italy, joining her father Louis, who was working here in South Bend awaiting the arrival of his family. Julia and her mother Rose and siblings entered through Ellis Island; the Statue of Liberty was a beautiful sight at the end of their long sea journey. Julia was enrolled in 2nd grade at St. Joseph Grade School, even though she was a petite 12 year old, because she needed to learn the English language. Learn she did, and then excelled at Math and other subjects, which would serve her well in her later restaurant/business career. Julia had to quit school after grade school to go to work and help out her family as many new Italian immigrants did. She worked in a sewing factory during WWII to help make tent materials for our soldiers. She corresponded with her future husband, her beloved Rocco, when he was a prisoner of war of the United States (having been in the Italian Army and captured in North Africa) and sent to prison camps in Texas, California, and Toole, Utah. After being pen pals and exchanging pictures, Julia went to visit him in prison camp in Utah. They fell in love and Rocco proposed. Rocco was released and was returned to Italy after the war. Julia began filling out affidavit paperwork for him to be able to come back to the U.S. to live. She had been working as a waitress at Mark's restaurant, where she learned the business and excelled as a waitress and trusted cashier due to her sparkly personality and math skills. Julia saved money and made another journey on the ship back to Italy (no small feat as she had severe motion sickness) to visit Rocco's family for 2 weeks before their wedding on November 21, 1946. She would return to the U.S. alone, until Rocco could join her in March of 1948.
  Julia’s father opened a store in 1951, and Julia and Rocco decided to open a pizzeria with the help of Louis and Rose Simeri, her parents. She used her waitress/business skills and Rocco used his cooking skills to open “Rocco’s Restaurant” a pizzeria, from 1951-1991, until their daughter Linda and her husband Warren took over the family business. Julia and Rocco also owned an upscale restaurant named “The New Rocco’s” from 1957-1965.
  Julia was a loving, faithful, and devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mama lived her life, with a deep faith in God, loving and serving all of her family and friends. She was especially mindful of helping the newest Italian immigrant families, who had arrived in South Bend, transition into their new life. She carried out the Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy, even when tired and exhausted from work and the trials of life. That faith and determination carried her on until the beautiful age of 99 years old, when our Savior called her home to give her eternal rest.
  We wish to thank Mama’s team of angels: Deborah, Regina, Glynis, Stacey, Lucy, Pat, Debbie, and Ning. The last 6 years were total devotion and love from them for our mother, who was able to live in her own home because of their wonderful care. We would also like to thank Dr. Joe Harmon, who ministered Holy Communion to her for the last 4 1/2 years. We’d like to thank her granddaughters Julianna, Angela, and Gabriella for their loving care, especially in their Nana’s last days, along with Deborah who worked tirelessly to make sure her Mamacita was well taken care of until the end. We’d like to also thank Hospice of St. Joseph County for their wonderful care and support, and the many family and friends who came to pay visits and sent cards, and St. Joseph Grade School students who sent cards and drawings which always put a sweet smile on her face.
  We know that Mama is at peace now, in the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ, reunited with our father Rocco, her parents, siblings, and the rest of the family she loved.
  We love you Mama forever, and your loving spirit will always be with us through our lives, until we see you again in paradise!
  Jesus came to you and said, “Well done, oh good and faithful servant. Come to Me and I will give you rest."
  Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, Indiana, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m.
   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 27, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 226 N. Hill Street, South Bend, Indiana, with Rev. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C. officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery.
  Memorial contributions may be made in Julia’s honor to St. Joseph Catholic Church and School, 226 N. Hill Street, South Bend, IN 46617 or The Hospice Foundation, Supporting Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545-5234.
   To leave online condolences please visit www.kaniewski.com.