Alda Mary Frucci

Alda Mary Frucci, 99, died peacefully at her Long Term Care facility while watching one of her favorite old westerns, her favorite past time at this stage of her life. She passed on April 12, 2023, in Loveland, Colorado at the Green Houses of Mirasol. Cause of death was natural causes and because she was ready to join her deceased husband since he has been waiting for 21 years. She was born December 23, 1923, in Bourne, Massachusetts. Her parents were Emma and Louis Pola. Alda was the seventh of nine children. The first six children were from Emma’s previous marriage which Alda was not aware of until much later in life (major brouhaha at the time). Alda was whisked away at the age of seven from Bourne and settled in the Midwest with Louis and Emma. She spoke only Italian at that time but quickly learned English as her schooling required. Louis and Emma, along with Alda, eventually settled in South Bend, Indiana. Alda did everything she could to help support her family and given the times, and as a proud member of the “Greatest Generation”, stopped schooling at the age of seventeen, worked in a factory in South Bend making airplane engine parts (one of the original Rosy the Riveters), and married a man in the Air Force – all to support the war effort!

On February 7, 1942, she was married to James Frucci of Niles, Michigan. Together, they formed a union that lasted 60 years, until James’ death in 2002. As proud children of Italian immigrants, they also formed a union as entrepreneurs. Together, owning a grocery store in Mishawaka, Indiana and then an Italian restaurant in Niles, Michigan known as the Portofino Restaurant and Lounge. They successfully and cooperatively managed the restaurant business until it closed in 1982. From there, James and Alda lived in Cassopolis, Michigan and then moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1997. Alda was an avid Notre Dame fan, having season tickets to home football games for over 20 years. James and Alda attended as many Notre Dame bowl games as possible with good friends or family, loving the energy and spirit of New Orleans, or Dallas, or Miami during bowl games. She was a renowned armchair quarterback in our household! She was also a renowned cook. Homemade ravioli, meatballs, soups, pies, baked goods were all favorites of her immediate and extended family. Many holidays we can remember were filled with love, laughter, and great food while her brothers Dante and Sonny along with their wives Joan and Evelyn graced our house along with their families for an enormous holiday feast. There was also serious card playing as Alda was an avid card player and card shark. Every game had to be played for money (at least a quarter) and many occasions throughout life were filled with laughter and mostly serious card games. Lastly, Alda loved her family. Alda’s love for cooking is now evident in three generations of the family – where her recipe book is now referenced by great grandchildren Gianna and Isla when making pasta, homemade ravioli, or macaroni casserole.

Alda is survived by her children; Rosanne Rushton, Frank Frucci, Louie Frucci (Bonnie), and Jim Frucci (Helene). Grandchildren Mark Rushton (Sarah), James Rushton (Amy), Nicole Rahmer (Mike), Ryland Frucci, Elise Riss (Rob), Michael VanWagoner, Adria Frucci, Dominic Frucci (Mallory), Alexander Frucci, and Anthony Frucci.

Great grandchildren are Ethan Rushton, Jack Rushton, Nicholas Rushton, Gianna Rahmer, Isla Rahmer, Milo Riss, Juniper Riss, and Ida Frucci (so far).

Given that there were eight siblings, there are also numerous surviving nephews and nieces, too many to mention, but we assume you know who you are (by now)!

She outlived all siblings and most of her friends. Her husband James, her favorite son-in-law Christopher Rushton, and her favorite dog Paco preceded her in death. It is worth noting that her favorite sibling was clearly her younger brother Dante Pola.

A memorial mass is planned for Wednesday, April 26, at 10:00 AM MDT at the Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) – this was the most important cause to Alda. Alda’s family would also like to take this opportunity to thank the medical team, nurses, and staff at Park Regency Assisted Living and Green Houses at Mirasol Long-term care center, both in Loveland, Colorado. You are all truly a blessing to your residents. Lastly, Go Fighting Irish!