Lucy Montonati

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Lucy Montonati, 95, of Bessemer Township, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sept. 1, 2014.

She was born in Wakefield on Jan. 17, 1919, to John B. and Louisa Tuoro. She graduated from Wakefield High School with the class of 1936.

Lucy was active with the Puritan Parent-Teachers Association and the Yale Ladies Guild. She was a charter member of the Daughters of Isabella since 1947. She was a volunteer with the American Cancer Society for 26 years and in charge of the Bessemer Cancer Loan Closet for a number of years.

She was instrumental in organizing the Women's Division of the Democratic Party. She was active with the American Association of Retired Persons and served on the Commission of Aging.

With Circuit Judge Donald L. Munro and County Clerk Rudolph Egizi, Lucy helped set up the present system of jury selection and served on the Jury Selection Commission for 20 years, before retiring in 1980. She was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church.

Lucy married Peter V. Montonati on June 20, 1938. Peter preceded her in death in 2001.

She is survived by a daughter, Annette (Ben) Kudwa, of Grand Ledge; two sons, Peter J. (Linda) Montonati, of Hurley, Wis., and William V. (Linda) Montonati, of Bessemer; three grandchildren, Erinn R. (William Barnes) Kudwa, Kristi L. Montonati and Mark W. Montonati. Lucy had one great-granddaughter, Ellee, who was born on Pete and Lucy's wedding anniversary.

God was central in her life and she continually sought to better her relationship with him. She treasured the moments spent with her family and grandchildren. She loved getting to know her great-granddaughter who has Lucy's strong will and determination. Lucy enjoyed cooking and baking, and she shared it with family, neighbors, and friends.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Bessemer is in charge of arrangements.