Carmela Teresa Aloffo

Herrin- Carmela Teresa Aloffo, 91, of Herrin, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ at 8:20 PM, Sunday, July 20, 2008 at Herrin Hospital, surrounded by her adoring family. Carmela was born on May 23, 1917 in Cimini, Italy to Fillippo & Maria Antonia (Monteleoni) Romano. After the death of her mother, Phillip came to America to work in the coal mines. The girls were in the care of their Grandmother until they were eight and ten years old. They left Italy and their loving grandmother to cross the ocean. They met their father at Ellis Island and traveled by train to Southern Illinois. Carmela married Dominic Aloffo on June 2, 1931 in Royalton, IL. He preceded her in death in 1946. Carmella was very talented. She was tri-lingual and was a translator when needed for people coming from Italy. She was an avid gardner and canned everything, teaching her family how to use all the spices and how to make all the doughs and breads. One of her grandsons was making dressing at age eleven and now is marketing four different dressings. He was proud his mentor and grandmother was from the Basilicata region of Italy. His dressings were in tribute to her. Culinary excellence she possessed and taught her family. Her favorite pastime was cooking and filling the kitchen with food, love, and laughter. Carmela was an avid blood donor, volunteering yearly. She retired from Smoller Bros in Herrin, where she worked as a garment inspector for over 30 years. She was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin and the Herrin Eagles Ladies Auxiliary. Survivors include- Daughter & son in law- Antonette & Ronald Allsopp- Herrin Daughter & son in law- Mary & Frank Snider- Energy Son & Daughter in law- Joe & Avanell Aloffo of Carterville Five Grandchildren Six Great Grandchildren Brother in law- Joe Martell of Herrin Half sister- Vee Vaccaro of Herrin Several nieces & nephews She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands- Dominic Aloffo & Isaac Mahan, her sister- Mary Martell and Carmelas ninety-seven year old grandmother, whom she adored. The family would like to thank Chris Haake administrator from Helia Healthcare and his staff for the love and concern they gave Carmela. A special thanks also goes to Dr. Jeff Parks for daily calls and keeping the family informed about her health. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 25, 2008 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of service, Friday at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Marys Education Foundation and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th Street/ Herrin, IL 62948