Lillian Ann Zuffa of Kenosha age 104, passed away on August 23rd, 2024, at Library Terrace of Kenosha. The daughter of the late Walter and Helen (Sommer) Rossa, Lillian was born on July 26th, 1920. A lifetime resident of Kenosha, she was raised on a small farm then located at the corners of 60th Street and 60th Avenue. The property had a small general store run by her father. The farm boasted a small fruit orchard and many other fun places where Lillian and her beloved sister Alice spent many happy childhood hours. Lillian was educated in the schools of Kenosha and received a certification in secretarial and business office skills from the Kenosha Vocation School, precursor to G.T.I.
Lillian Rossa met John Zuffa in 1941 when they were both employed by Jockey International. When John entered military service in 1942, he was stationed in Texas. Lillian joined her sister Alice in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a time where she worked in a local business office. During this time Lillian and John became engaged!
Lillian and John were married at St. Anthonys Catholic Church on May 11th, 1946. In 1950 they built their first home together.
In addition to being a full-time homemaker and mother of three, Lillian was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, the Rosary Society, Altar Sodality and the church choir. She also enjoyed playing Scrabble, (she was really good at it!) knitting, sewing and crafts. Lillian loved family celebrations and the holidays, especially Christmas. She liked to see the great grandkids faces light up during gift exchange. Lillian enjoyed traveling with her husband to view the scenic wonders of the United States and Canada especially when they became “empty nesters”! Lillian and John were blessed with many years of marriage and were fortunate to celebrate their 65th anniversary on May 11th, 2011.
Lillian is survived by her children, son Richard (Jeanene) Zuffa of Marseilles IL, and daughters Barbara Petersen of Kenosha WI, and Janet (Eric) Moore of Wheaton IL; one granddaughter Taylor Krauss of Coventry England, five step-grandchildren and seven step-great grandchildren. She is further survived by several nieces and nephews.
Lillian is preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, her brother Leo, sisters Frances Pocan, Alice Sipher, and Valerie who died in infancy. She is also preceded in death by several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (2223 51st Street Kenosha WI) on September 20th, 2024, from 10:30am to 11:30am with a Rosary Service following at 11:30am to 12:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00pm. Interment will follow Mass at All Saints Cemetery and Mausoleum (3300 Springbrook Rd. Pleasant Prairie WI)
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V) PO BOX 14301 Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301. Or St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 2223 51st Street Kenosha WI 53140 Or any charity of choice.
The family would like to thank the generous and caring teams of Legacy Hospice and Library Terrace for their genuine compassion and love towards Lillian.
