Mary “Mitzi” Martorano
Mary “Mitzi” Martorano, 84, of Benton Harbor, MI, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 10:30 am at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, Benton Harbor with Fr. Mike Regent officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with rosary recited at 7:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Berrien County Cancer Service, Mayo Clinic or SS John and Bernard Parish. Those wishing to sign Mary’s Guest Book may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Mary was born December 1, 1931 in Benton Harbor to Frank and Mary (Mihalic) Sila. She was raised and lived in this area all of her life. Mary was the last living of her immediate family of parents and seven brothers and sisters, but was the proud aunt of 99 nieces and nephews. Mitzi married Leo Martorano (an active executive with Whirlpool Corporation) on June 26, 1954 and together they enjoyed a busy life of travel and sports. Leo preceded her in death in May of 2005. Mitzi worked for VM Corporation and then became a dental assistant in dentistry and was also active in volunteer work at the hospital. Sports were her weakness with years of golfing, winter skiing and girls basketball leagues. Mitzi will be remembered for her sweet and loving nature and her gregarious love of life.
She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces & nephews. Mitzi also has two surviving step-siblings, Danny Burich & Marie Eisloeffel. Mitzi was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Frank & Paul Sila; three sisters, Kay Kling, Ann Kapunga & Pauline Johnson; and three step-brothers, John Burich, Tony Burich and Joe Burich.