Nina Marie Mandala

Nina M. Mandala, 81, of Rockford, passed peacefully on Sunday, January 13, 2019, at River Bluff Nursing Home. Born February 6, 1937, in Rockford, daughter of John and Josephine (Vaccarello) Juliano. Nina married the love of her life Salvator J. Mandala on June 9, 1956, in Rockford. He passed away in Rockford on July 3, 2010. She was a graduate of Rockford West High School, Class of 1955. Nina loved being a server for almost 50 years at Dom’s Pizzeria, North Towne Manor and Olympic Tavern. She always made sure to bring joy and laughter to all she served, but most of all she cherished time spent with family and friends.
Survived by her children, Vito (Nanci) Mandala of Rockford, John (Lorri) Mandala of New Jersey and Jack Mandala of Loves Park; her grandchildren, Gina (Josh) Hester, Jonathan, Justin, Nikka (Erick) Owens and Anna Mandala; her great-grandchildren, Addison and Mason Hester, Carter and Aivianna Owens; her brothers, Lee (Arleta) Juliano and Mike (Ann Marie) Juliano; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents; her husband, Sam; her son, Joey Mandala; her sister and brother-in-law, Joan (Sam) Maurici;and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vito (Anna) Mandala. The family would like to express a special thank you to Nina’s CNA, Lawanda at River Bluff and to Rose from Heartland Hospice for the special care they gave to Nina.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Av. Loves Park with Reverend James Ciaramitaro officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M until 10:45 A.M. Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.