Erma I. Sgaggio

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Erma I. Sgaggio, 95, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, July 27, 2016. Her two sons were at her side.

Erma was born on Jan. 18, 1921, in Ironwood, the daughter of Dominic and Elizabeth (Valente) Rigoni. She attended St. Ambrose High School and graduated in 1939.

On Sept. 28, 1955, Erma was united in marriage to Tony C. Sgaggio.

Erma started her business career as a linotype operator at the Ironwood Daily Globe followed by several business positions on the Gogebic Range. Her favorite job was secretary to Gogebic County auditor, Mr. Bill Fall, until his passing, when she was named acting auditor.

Erma was very instrumental in charity work with various organizations, particularly the Gogebic Medical Care Facility's "Helping Hands" program. She created a fundraising effort to purchase a piano for the nursing home.

Erma was a very active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield. For many years, she was the president of the Women's Guild, proudly served on the pastoral and finance councils and held other offices. To honor Catholic women of the parish, Erma founded the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard to accompany and pray at the funerals of the deceased.

She was on the local HUD board overseeing the Wakefield residential housing facility.

Erma will be fondly remembered and missed by her family and friends as a witty, humorous and generous person, who showed gratitude to everyone she came in contact with.

Erma is survived by two sons, Jerry, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Mark (Jean), Ironwood; and a niece, Shelly (Deacon Charles) Gervasio, Ironwood.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, retired Michigan State Police Corporal, Tony, on May 22, 1993; and a brother, Ray Rigoni.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Aug. 1, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant, assisted by Deacon Charles H. Gervasio. Also, in attendance will be the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Tibaldo, Pat Clark, Ted Finco, Eugene Schlais, Dick Bolen and Jerald Rocco.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

Lunch will be served at the church hall upon return from the cemetery.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank profoundly the wonderful staff, especially the first floor staff, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield. They are a truly remarkable group of people who treat everybody with dignity and respect in often trying circumstances. We are truly fortunate to have such a committed group of compassionate caregivers in our community.

Memorial contributions may be made in Erma's memory to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., Wakefield, MI 49968.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.