Elsie "Nona" Mary Ricchio

Racine- Elsie Mary (nee: Cosentino) Ricchio, 89, passed away peacefully at the Becker-Shoop Center on Saturday evening, March 25, 2006 following a four-year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Mrs. Ricchio was born in Marano Marchesato, Cosenza, Italy on November 7, 1916 to the late Michael and Carmela (nee: Ritacca) Cosentino. Her family emigrated Italy to Racine when she was 13 years old. On January 16, 1937 in Madison, WI, she was united in marriage to Dr. Alfred Ricchio, DDS, who preceded her in death on December 26, 1966. A tireless and devoted homemaker, her family was always priority one. Mrs. Ricchio was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting and handicrafts. An avid golfer, she was a former member of the Washington Park Golferettes. Above all, Mrs. Ricchio loved and cherished times spent with her entire family. “Nona” will be deeply missed! Surviving are her daughter, Sharon (Ronald) Keland of Racine; son, Thomas (Jane) Ricchio of Iola, WI; grandchildren, Kristin (Michael) Niemiec, Carla (Erik) Stirle, Marcia (Sean) Rosenmarkel, Anthony Ricchio and Samuel Ricchio, all of Racine; great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Riley and Bradley Niemiec; Miranda and (little sister to be born in June) Stirle; Madison and Gabriella Rosenmarkel; and Samuel II and Eve Marie Ricchio; step-grandchildren, Bob Blair and Megan (Nate) Williams of Madison; step-great-grandchildren, Ciel and Caeleb Williams; sister, Carmela Cosentino Peri of Cosenza, Italy; and sister-in-law, Mary Cosentino of Racine. Further surviving are many wonderful nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Ricchio was preceded in death by her beloved son, Mark Ricchio on September 11, 2000; and by her brother, Edward Cosentino. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 in St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Avenue, at 11:00 am with Rev. Richard J. Molter officiating. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery Garden Crypts. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 10-11 am. In honor of Nona’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, memorials in her name may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of the Becker-Shoop Center for the outstanding care, patience and support that was so warmly extended to Nona and to our family. God bless all of you!