Rosealie Jean Perfili

Our dear sweet mother, Rosealie Perfili, passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2024.   She was born on January 23, 1939 to Angela and Nick Caruso in Joliet Illinois.  She graduated from Cyprus High School in 1957.  She married her caring and devoted husband, Fred Perfili on June 7, 1958 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Magna. They were married for 65 years and lovingly raised three daughters, Vickie, Joanie and Christine. Rosealie dedicated her career to Mountain Bell, later known as US West, and retired after 37 years of service. Prior to retirement she earned her Interior Design Certificate. 

 She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend who touched the lives of those around her with her generosity, compassion and love.  She cherished her entire family and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  Her artistic abilities shone brightly when it came to decorating.  She had a gift for turning spaces into beautiful, artful environments.  She loved Christmastime, and her Christmas Eve parties were legendary!  The anticipation from family, relatives and friends, would build as the day approached. The evening was filled with excitement, laughter, and a delicious homemade Italian dinner that she and her sisters prepared, followed by carols sung around the piano.  This is a treasured memory that we will always hold in our hearts.  

Our mother was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.  She was very active in the church serving as the president of the Ladies Guild, participating in the choir, helping at the annual spaghetti dinners, and volunteering for other events and activities. She was elected as the parish’s Woman of the Year in 2004. She also decorated the church on Christmas and Easter exquisitely.   The decorations she crafted continue to grace the church during the Christmas Season. 

She was a lively, elegant, and classy woman. Her unwavering love, thoughtfulness, integrity and strong work ethic will remain as guiding lights for our family. We will miss her dearly. 

 She is survived by her husband, Fred Perfili, her daughters, Vickie (Randy) Venemon, Joanie (Russ) Dobesh, Christine Perfili (Jim) Schnitter; grandchildren, Brooke (Nicholas) Guido, Jordan Venemon, Alexandra Dobesh, Matthew and Amanda Schnitter, and great granddaughter, Charlotte (Charlie) Guido.   In addition, she is survived by her step-grandchild, Jenna Dobesh (James) Mancuso and their children Jules and Pia.  She is also survived by her sisters Anne Wallwork and Antonette Swasey, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Angela Caruso, her sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Ted Pasternak and her brother-in-law, Larry Swasey. 

Our family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the caregivers who cared for our mother during her illness.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2840 S. 9000 West, Magna.  A viewing will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 8:00 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11 a.m., with a visitation prior from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at Mt. Cavalry Catholic Cemetery following the funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider making a donation to support the construction of Our Lady of Lourdes, Magna CCD Center in memory of Rosealie. Online condolences: www.peelfuneralhome.com

Please scroll down to see pictures of Rosalie and her family.