Although Joe and Martha Trapani have not participated in IFAFA Conferences for a while, many of our members will remember this lovely couple from Amici Italiani in Rockford, IL. We’re sad to pass along the news that Martha passed away at the end of June, 2017.
Here is part of her obituary published in the Rockford Register Star from July 3 to July 6, 2017:
Martha Louise Trapani, 74, of Rockford passed away Thursday, June 29, 2017. She was born February 1, 1943, in Carbondale, IL, the daughter of Earl Tippy and Polly Ann Rogers. She spent her youth in both Central Illinois and Phoenix, AZ. She graduated from Sterling High School in 1960. After graduating from Cormer and Durand Beauty School, she moved to Rockford. She began her career as a hairdresser at the Rural Oaks Hair Salon. She married Joseph F. Trapani on August 21, 1965. After starting her family, she moved her practice into her own home. She was a talented, self-employed hairdresser that served the community for 40 years. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church of Rockford and was involved in various groups including the Verdi Club and the Sicilian Women’s Club. She loved holidays, parades, travelling, American history, baking cakes, and everything chocolate. She embraced the Italian traditions of her husband’s family. Her favorite time of year was preparing for and celebrating Christmas with her family. She was generous and kind … and so much fun to be around. She was an eternal optimist and always full of joy.