Celebration of Life Mass for Emily M. (nee Smith) Sanzobrino, 97, of Mentor, will be 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Gabriel Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord Township.
Mrs. Sanzobrino went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at Governor’s Pointe in Mentor with her family at her side.
Born Aug. 20, 1919, in Cleveland, she had been a lifetime Lake County resident, living in Willoughby before moving to Mentor.
Emily was a member of St. Gabriel Church, where she was also a member of the Mission Circle, helped with the Food Bank, and was active in the Bereavement Committee. She was a former member of Immaculate Conception Church in Willoughby, where she was active with the Court of Mary. Emily loved playing cards with numerous friends and was in multiple card playing clubs. She also enjoyed golf and being a mom and grandma “GiGi.”
She was the loving mother of Dennis W. (Donna) Sanzobrino and Susan B. (Dale) Simmons; cherished grandmother of Dina Sanzobrino, Daniel (Danielle) Sanzobrino, Theresa (Jason) Hadad, Jillian (Nathan) Wells, Matthew D. (Gwynne) Simmons and Emily S. Simmons; “GiGi” to Nicholas, Andrew, Fiona, Teagan, Broderick, Zane, Benjamin, Creed and Molly.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Woodrow “Woody” Sanzobrino; daughter, Marjorie A. Norris; parents, John and Frantiska (nee Kadler) Smit; and siblings, John, Charles, Frank, Benjamin, George and James Smith, Marie Molter and Mildred Knittel.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. Burial will be in Willoughby Cemetery.
"Heaven has gained the most incredible angel...97 years young, she lived a full and amazing life. Every life she touched was truly made better. She was the epitome of God's love, always putting everyone before herself, especially her family, and making sure to show love to everyone, always. Our hearts will miss her dearly, but we are so grateful and happy to know she's finally in her Savior's arms, embracing His love, seeing everything and walking in paradise. She has left a legacy of love that will live on forever...until we see you again in eternity, we know you love us more."
Contributions in her name are suggested to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.
To leave condolences for the family, order flowers or light a memorial candle, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.

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