Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 12/21/2003

Maria Barbaro

Feb. 23, 1911 -- Dec. 18, 2003

Maria Barbaro, 92, of West 13th Street, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away at 2:35 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, in Countryside Place Nursing and Rehabilitation, Mishawaka.

Maria was born on Feb. 23, 1911, in Plati`, Italy, as the daughter of the late Saverio and Rachela (Oliva) Portolesi. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Ross Portolesi, who lived in Italy; and by two sisters, Connie of Italy and Rosa of Mishawaka. In September 1954, in Plati`, the former Maria Portolesi married Ross Barbaro, a decorated veteran honored with a Purple Heart medal. He preceded her in death on March 14, 1974.

She is survived by a brother, Angelo (Cristina) Portolesi of Mishawaka; nieces, Rosella Postula of Portage, Mich., Dr. Rachelina Barlett of Granger, Ind., and Maria Simper of South Bend, Ind. She also has eight nieces and nephews in Italy, and six great-nieces and nephews here in the Midwest.

Maria was a sweet lady who lived a very full life and enjoyed being with her family. She showed her very strong faith by walking to St Bavo Catholic Church once, sometimes twice a day, where she was a longtime member. She was a loving sister and aunt who will be missed by all of her family.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today, Dec. 21, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka, where a Rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, with Rev. Joseph Isanga officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.