Submitted by: Dan Rich

Laura T. Martinelli

Nov. 13, 1910 - Nov. 11, 2001

South Bend Tribune 11/14/2001

Laura T. Martinelli, 90, of East 12th Street in Mishawaka, Ind., formerly of South Bend, Ind., passed away of natural causes at 5:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, in the Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Mrs. Martinelli was born Nov. 13, 1910, to Claude and Tillie (Pilarski) Haugher in South Bend.

On Dec. 1, 1945, in South Bend, she married Paul Martinelli. Her husband Paul, a Navy veteran, preceded her in death, passing Jan. 4, 1999. She is survived by her sons, Willis A. Bishop and his wife, Fabby of Potomac, Md., and Robert P. Martinelli and his wife, Cindy of South Bend; five grandchildren, Michael Bishop of Ames, Iowa, John Paul Bishop of Clarksville, Md., Sandra Bishop of Potomac, Anthony Martinelli and Andrew Martinelli, both of South Bend; and by four great-grandchildren, Emily Rose and Matthew Bishop of Clarksville, and Miguel and Daniel Bishop of Ames.

Laura was employed locally as a riveter during the World War II era, and also worked as a seamstress at Wilson Brothers. Laura served as past president for Northwest Little League's Women's Auxiliary Board, and attended Epworth Memorial United Methodist Church in South Bend.

Laura will always be remembered for her love of music. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends with her natural ability for playing the organ and participating in sing-alongs. Rumor has it, she also won a major dance contest at the Tivoli Theater during the R oaring 20s! Her family and friends still cherish the beautiful afghans that she generously hand-crafted.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola, Ind. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, in the Chapel Hill Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.