June 13, 1929 — Oct. 18, 2019

Carmella Rex, of Niles, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019.

Carmella was born on June 13, 1929, in Niles, to Rosa and John Yelape.

She graduated in 1947 from Niles High School and was member of St. Mary’s Church in Niles.

Following graduation, Carmella worked at Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles until 1956. She married Roger Wade in August 1956 and moved with her husband throughout Indiana and Kentucky, working at various positions as a homemaker and raising her family. She moved back to Niles following the death of her husband in 1969 and returned to work at Simplicity Pattern. She remarried in 1975 to Asa Rex, who passed away in November of that same year.

At home, she was an excellent Italian cook and everyone looked forward to her spaghetti and meatballs, Italian sausage and potatoes and lasagna. She also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, Notre Dame basketball and dancing.

Surviving family includes her children, Dennis (Jan) and Steve (Bernadette). Her son, Alan, preceded her in death in 1991. She also survived by her four granddaughters, Caroline and Jenna Wade and Erin and Lauren Wade. Carmella also had the following siblings: Veto, Francis, Elizabeth, Chec, Nancy (her twin), Lena and John.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Carmella Rex will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, at the Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles by Reverend Christian Johnston of the parish, assisted by Deacon Roger Gregorski.

Committal Rites will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, in Niles, with recitation of The Rosary at 5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Carmella can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.