Rosalie Fera

Rosalie Fera, 89, of 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, formerly of 471 Cole Dr.. and Williamson Rd., Meadville, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at Wesbury United Methodist Community.
Rosalie was born in Meadville on March 19, 1921, a daughter of the late Peter and Rosalie (Lupo) Barretta.
On October 5, 1940 Rosalie married Paul Peter Fera; he preceded her in death on November 20, 1995.
She was a member of St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, Meadville, where she was active with the Altar Rosary Society as well as Care and Concern.
In her earlier years Rosalie had been employed by the former Talon, Inc., of Meadville for five years. For a period of ten years Rosalie and her husband, a former State Department official, traveled and lived abroad. During these years she did extensive volunteer work. While living in Chile she performed relief sewing for the needy; in the Dominican Republic she was involved with Food For Peace, in Ankara, Turkey she volunteered for the Red Cross and became involved with the Womens Club; in Lima, Peru she helped at the Medical Clinic; in Georgetown, Guyana she worked with disadvantaged children. Rosalie attended Meadville schools. Locally, she was a member of the Meadville Garden Club, TOPS, the Italian Civic Club Auxiliary and volunteered her time to Active Aging where she assisted with the Veterans Day activities. She enjoyed taking Tai Chi classes, Yoga classes, cooking, sewing, entertaining, flower gardening, reading, knitting, crocheting and music, especially opera. Two of her greatest loves were being with family, especially her grandchildren and preparing Italian meals with her husband and family during very festive holiday gatherings.
Rosalie is survived by two sons Peter Paul Fera of San Jose, CA, Richard J. Fera and his wife Paula Gubbins of Alexandria, VA, a daughter Jean Marie Fera of Edinboro, three grandchildren Rose Naomi Ritter and her husband David, Leah Joy ODonnell and her husband Ian, Julie Marie Matija Hansen and her husband Jeffrey, four great grandchildren Catherine Hansen, Kylie Ritter, Alden Ritter, Claire Rose ODonnell, a sister Anne Ambrose of Manassas, VA, four brothers Anthony Barretta of Crozet, VA, Salvatore Barretta, Joseph Barretta, Ben Barretta, all of Meadville, many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband Paul of 55 years, Rosalie was preceded in death by three sisters Elizabeth Sturm, Marian Barisano, Cira Barretta and a brother Ret. Col. Peter Barretta.
Family and friends are invited to call on Monday from 4-7 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville where a scripture service will be conducted at 6:30 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville, with Fr. Mark Solomon, Pastor, officiating.
Entombment will take place in St. Brigid Cemetery, West Mead Twp.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St. Meadville, PA 16335.
Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com