Carmela N. (Rulli) Lacopo

Carmela N. Lacopo, 95, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 7:35 a.m. Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Healthwin Specialized Care in South Bend, IN.

She was born on May 20, 1925 to the late Salvatore and Maria (Lacopo) Rulli in Gerace, Italy, and has lived in South Bend, IN since 1954, coming from Gerace, Italy.  Along with her parents; she was preceded in death by her husband, Giuseppe Lacopo; a son, Antonio “Tony” Lacopo; and one sister, Rosa Pedulla.

Carmela worked as a food prep specialist and cook at Lacopo’s Pizzeria in South Bend, IN for many years.  Prior to that, she worked at Holy Cross House and Fatima Retreat Center, both at the University of Notre Dame, where she worked in housekeeping, and the kitchen as a food prep and cook.

On October 12, 1946, as Carmela N. Rulli, she married Giuseppe Lacopo in Gerace, Italy.  He passed away on May 14, 1997.

Carmela is survived by her four daughters, Maria (Rosario) Mittiga of South Bend, IN; Rosa (Dr. Jack) McGowan of Montgomery, TX; Rita Lacopo of South Bend, IN; Angela Lacopo of South Bend, IN; two sons, Bruno (Linda) Lacopo of Novato, CA; Francesco “Frank” (Ann) Lacopo of South Bend, IN; a daughter-in-law, Louise Lacopo of South Bend, IN; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Antonio (Phyllis) Rulli of South Bend, IN; Pasquale (Mary Lou) Rulli of Mishawaka, IN; and Cosimo (Susan) Rulli of South Bend, IN.

Carmela was a member of Holy Cross Parish.  She loved crocheting; her cats; and cooking for everyone.  Carmela, most of all, enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.    

A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1050 Wilber Street, South Bend, IN, followed by visitation from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, South Bend, IN.  Entombment will follow in Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Holy Cross Catholic Church, 920 Wilber Street, South Bend, IN  46628.

The family would like to thank Healthwin Specialized Care and Grace Hospice for the loving care they provided.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements.  To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

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