Born: Dec. 27, 1931

Died: Feb. 19, 2013

 Lorna F. Garritano, 81, of Dowagiac, died at 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at her home of an extended illness.

Lorna was born Dec. 27,1931, in Cass County to Edward and Florence (Wise) Gordon. On Nov. 2, 1957, in Dowagiac, she married Al Garritano, who survives.  Also surviving are a daughter, Carmela (Bartlomiej Plichta) of Saint Paul, Minn., and two sons, John (Stacey) Garritano, of Cassopolis, and Jason Garritano, of Stevensville. She has five grandchildren and a sister, Leone Morford of Lawrence.

Mrs. Garritano worked in financial capacities in area businesses. She was a member of Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church in Dowagiac and was the first woman member of the former Pickwick Club in Niles. Additionally, she was a member of the Anterlettes of the Dowagiac Elks and the INA Unity Club.

Mass of Christian Burial for Lorna F. Garritano   will be at 11 a.m Monday, Feb. 25, at Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church in Dowagiac with the Rev. Kevin Covert of the parish officiating.  The family will receive friends and relatives from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the church.   Burial will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek. Arrangements are being cared for by the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Garritano   may be made to Cass County Council on Aging for Parkinson’s Awareness; P.O. Box 5; Cassopolis, MI 49031.

Halbritterfunerals.com