Laura Louise Bononi Ferranti
Laura Louise Bononi Ferranti, age 93, of East Cross Avenue, Masontown, Pennsylvania, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 28, 2005, in Mount Macrina Manor, Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
Laura was born in Footedale, Pennsylvania, on December 13, 1911, the fourth child and first daughter of five children of Luigi “Louis” and Adelgisa (Bononi) Bononi.
At age 11 she traveled to Pianorso, Modena, Italy, with her family where she lived for several years during the Mussolini Era. After her Mother’s death in 1924, the family returned to Footedale where they operated a grocery store and butcher shop for over 30 years.
She was a Charter Member of the Saint Theresa’s Guild at Saint Thomas Roman Catholic Church, Footedale.
In 1938, she married Paul J. Ferranti in All Saints Roman Catholic Church, Masontown, Pennsylvania, where she had remained a member for over 66 years.
The Ferranti family operated the Masontown Bus Lines for decades.
Passionate about food and cooking, Laura lovingly preserved her Italian heritage for her family. She worked for many years at Dolfi’s Restaurant in Masontown preparing Italian specialty dishes. She especially enjoyed greeting the guests at the Italian Buffet and describing the dishes as she served.
Laura spent many years caring for the young children of Masontown families and is remembered still for her service, compassion, and especially her cooking and sewing skills.
A Charter Member of the All Saints Confraternity of Christian Mothers since 1953, Laura enjoyed preparing coffee for their monthly meetings.
She was also a long-time member of the Court Masontown Catholic Daughters of the Americas and of the All Saints Band Mothers as well as the now former Kolb High School Band Mothers.
Laura spent her lifetime in service to others and was happiest when she could be of help to someone! In later years she faithfully attended the Masontown Senior Center and served lunch to those needing assistance.
In addition to her great love for cooking, and her helpful nature, Laura was passionate about dancing and she attended as many of the local dances as possible.
Laura’s primary love was for her family whom she cared for unconditionally.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Albert Bononi, Yemo (Charles) Bononi, and Risieri (Sidie) Bononi; sisters-in-law: Adela Marasti Bononi, Ann Zawelensky Bononi, Angela Ferranti Mocibob, and Josephine Ferranti Albertini; and brothers-in-law: Philip Ferranti and Stephen Bohatch.
Laura was also preceded in death by her devoted husband of 32 years, Paul J. Ferranti, who passed away March 16, 1971.
Laura leaves behind her three loving daughters and sons-in-law: Louise and Bill Hine, Harrisonville, Pa., Denice and Don Robinson, Uniontown, Pa., and Elaine and Tom Perez, Mechanicsburg, Pa. She also leaves five grandchildren: Patrick McDaniel, Paul McDaniel, Pamela Nelson, Rob Nelson and Leann Perez; three step-grandchildren: Connie Cutchall, Barbara Mullowney and Brian Robinson; four great-grandchildren: David McDaniel, Ashley Nelson, Cienna Nelson and Andrew Nelson; and six step-great-grandchildren: Jessica Cutchall, Cory Cutchall, Liz Mullowney, Corinne Mullowney, Jessica Dopkant and Amber Funderburg; several cousins, nieces and nephews and their families.
Since July 2003, Laura was fortunate to have her only sister, Mary Bohatch, as her roommate at Mt. Macrina Manor, where she had been a resident since November 1998 and where she leaves an “extended family” of dedicated caregivers and friends.
Friends will be received in the JOHN S. MAYKUTH JR. FUNERAL HOME, corner of Church at 7 River Avenue, Masontown, Pa., today from 3 to 8 p.m. and on Monday, January 31, until 9:30 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial follows at 10 a.m. in All Saints Roman Catholic Church, Masontown, with the Rev. Father James F. Bump as Celebrant.
Burial will follow in Saint Agnes Cemetery, Leckrone, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to All Saints Roman Catholic Church or All Saints School, 101 West Church Avenue, Masontown, PA 15461; the American Heart Association, 7829 National Pike, Suite 2, Uniontown, PA 15401; or to a charity of your choice.
The All Saints Christian Mothers and the Catholic Daughters will recite the Rosary in the Funeral Home today at 7 p.m.