Clara Victoria (Bonacci) Libertoski

TUSTIN, Calif. - Clara Victoria (Bonacci) Libertoski, 92, of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., died peacefully at the Bonner House in Tustin, on Sept. 20, 2015.

She was born Oct. 4, 1922, in Sault Ste. Marie, to the late Carmine and Rachela Bonacci.

Clara's true passion and delight was her family. She enjoyed family gatherings, family vacations, traveling, the many years spent at the family cabin at Monacle Lake, cooking and baking, and working on puzzles on the patio at her son and daughter-in-law's house in California. She possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Her signature gift of joy, shown with her constant smiling, laughter and joking around, will never be forgotten.

Clara faithfully cared for family and friends through delicious cooking and baking from scratch, and she also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Oh, how we love and will miss her spaghetti sauce and meatballs, stuffed peppers and the homemade berry pies and jams. And don't forget the warmth and love from her many afghans and scarfs.

She was a proud member of the Christopher Columbus Italian Society for more than 50 years, which, during this time, she enjoyed numerous outings with family and friends, preparing food for banquets, wedding receptions, class reunions and the once-a-month spaghetti dinners for the community. She also was a lifelong member of the Saint Joseph's Catholic Church.

She met her sweetheart, Adam Libertoski, and they were happily married and in love for 58 years.

Clara is survived by her son, Adam (Sharon) Libertoski; daughter, Rachela (Alan) Hrenko; sisters, Margie Tatti and Anna (Don) Bonacci-Slater; brothers, Meco Bonacci, Carmine (Debra) Bonacci, Bino (Karen) Ammendola and Tony (Jean) Ammendola; grandchildren, Adam John Libertoski, Ashley Hrenko, Michael Libertoski and Abigail Libertoski; great-grandchildren, Dominic and Cade Libertoski; sister-in-law, Joyce Bonacci; brother-in-law, Leslie Graham; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Clara was preceded in death by her loving husband, Adam Libertoski; loving son, Michael Libertoski; her parents, Carmine and Rachela Bonacci; stepmother, Marie Bonacci; brothers, Percy Bonacci and Tony Bonacci; and sisters, Zena Bredeson and Nita Graham.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support in many heart-felt forms from everyone, including the Hospice, the amazing Solus team, the Carehouse staff, the loving couple from the Bonner House, family, friends and neighbors - either through prayers and or visits.

Burial will be private at the Riverside Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie. Family and friends will gather at the Christopher Columbus Hall for a celebration of life for Clara on Friday, Oct. 23, at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Christopher Columbus Italian Society Restoration Fund.