Ann Mandarino

Ann Mandarino, 75, of Palatine, IL, formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully her home on September 1, 2008. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 8, 2008 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus, Benton Harbor with Fr. Dan Doctor officiating. A luncheon at St. John’s Catholic Church will immediately follow the service. Friends may visit with the family at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd; St. Joseph from 2 to 5 PM on Sunday with “Sharing Time” at 5 PM. Burial will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charlie’s Gift (501 (C)3 in support of Autism), 415 W. 8th Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521, www.charliesgift.org. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may sign the guestbook online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ann was born on July 25, 1933, in Benton Harbor, MI, to Katherine and Robert Watts. She graduated from St. John’s High School in 1952. She married Eugene Mandarino of Benton Harbor on September 5, 1953. They moved to Palatine, Ill. in 1963 and raised six kids. The light of her life was her family and friends. There was nothing more important than that. Her unconditional love was felt by everyone she touched and invariably always put others needs before her own. She is survived by her husband Gene; children, Debbie, Nancy, Lori, Gino, Maria and Vince; grandchildren, Lainey, Hannah, Katie, Jack, Keri, Alex, Arinne, Sam, Louie, Levi and Pearlee; four great-grand children, Celie, Camille, Lincoln and awaiting the arrival of a great grandson. Her sister, Vonnie Richards of South Bend, IN; brothers, Bob Watts of South Bend, Ray and Bill Watts of Benton Harbor, MI. She was preceded in death by her brothers Patrick in 1944, Tim in 1998 and Jack in 2008, and sister Mary in 2007.