Angelina Vernasco

Angelina “Lee” Mary (Logli) Vernasco, 98, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland in St. Joseph, MI.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave., Benton Harbor. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., Monday, December 3, 2018 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with prayers recited at 6:30 P.M. Memorials can be made to Birthright of St. Joseph, Catholic Community Center, The Readiness Center, or Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to share a memory of Lee online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com  Lee was born on the ?rst day of summer June 21, 1920 in Melcher, Iowa to Dominic and Angelina (Contri) Logli. The 9th of 10 children, Lee loved being part of a large Italian family and often shared stories with her children and grandchildren of growing up during the Depression with her parents and nine siblings. She graduated from Melcher High School in 1937 and worked as a secretary in Des Moines until her marriage.  On May 6, 1945 Lee married the love of her life, Ted Vernasco, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Melcher. They met before WW II and had a 6 year engagement while Ted was ?nishing college and serving in the Navy. Their 61 year marriage was a beautiful example to their children of the meaning of unconditional love and commitment. The couple moved to Benton Harbor in 1951 and Lee was a stay-at-home mom for many years where she lovingly raised their four children and taught them that God comes ?rst and the love of family a close second.  Lee and Ted were part owners of the Travel Inn Motel and Captain’s Table in Benton Harbor. Lee worked at the front desk and as the motel of?ce manager for twenty-four years. She would greet the guests with her beautiful smile and warm, caring personality.  Lee’s deep faith in God was a gift to her family. She was a devout Catholic and a member of Sts. John and Bernard Parish in Benton Harbor for 67 years. She lived her faith by tirelessly giving of her time to others, volunteering for Birthright, Catholic Community Center, Soup Kitchen, Hospice and Civic Bene?t. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and said her rosary daily. When met with a challenge in life, she would put her trust in God and say, “This too shall pass.”  Besides her faith, Lee’s devotion to her family was evident on a daily basis. Her greatest joy was spending time with them. She was a loving mother, grandmother (noni) and great grandmother who was always available for advice. Each grandchild and great grandchild was made to feel as if he/ she was her favorite. She supported them in their activities and took a genuine interest in their lives, always asking how they were doing in school, their sports and jobs. They all adored their “noni” and learned from her the importance of doing for others, seeing the good in people, and giving to those less fortunate.  Her fabulous dinner parties for family and friends were second to none, as she was known for her delicious homemade Italian dishes. It was a special treat to be invited to her home for a wonderful meal. Her cooking was a labor of love as she painstakingly made hundreds of tortellini for the family Christmas Eve dinner each year.    Lee was an avid sports fan, especially of her beloved Notre Dame. She couldn’t wait for college football season to start each Fall, but also cheered on the MSU Spartans during basketball season. Her grandchildren always enjoyed talking sports with her. She also took great pleasure in walking, reading, keeping a clean house, and spending time with her many friends. Her favorite activity of all was dancing with Ted.  Lee is survived by her four children and their spouses: Michael (Karla) Vernasco, Michele (Wayne) Demchinski, Neil (Marci) Vernasco (all of St. Joseph), and Pat (Rick) Coscia (Fenton, MI); 8 grandchildren: Tiffany (John) Miyata, Liz (Jim) Algyre, Emily (Tereck) Halsey, Michael (Melissa) Demchinski, Keith (Terri) Demchinski, Kara (Jack) Gibson, Joanie and Ali Vernasco; four step grandchildren: Lisa Moallemian, Rocky (Alexandra) Coscia, Troy Coscia and Chris Crouse: 13 great grandchildren: Katie, Ashley, and Michael Algyre, Dylan and Max Miyata, Jacob and Maya Halsey, Ava and Elise Demchinski, Ella and Shay Demchinski, John and Tyler Gibson; 9 step great grandchildren, sister-in-law Enis Logli, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She will also be remembered by her dear friend, Patti Kutz, who was like another daughter to her.  Lee was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ted (2006), her brothers: Delmo, Art, and Pete Logli and sisters: Asunta Gotta, Amelia Pezzetti, Yolanda Moore, Gina Fasone, Dora Smith, and Julia Nelsen.  Lee was generous, loving, kind and compassionate and will be sadly and deeply missed by all those who loved and knew her. “To the world you are a mother, but to our family you are the world.”  The family would like to thank the guest assistants in Bristol House at Caretel Inns of Lakeland and the staff from Caring Circle Hospice for their loving care and support of our mother.