Veronica Barbara Cilluffo

Veronica Barbara Cilluffo, age 99 of Sterling Heights, died Thursday, August 6, 2015 at Medilodge of Sterling Heights.She was born on January 13, 1916 in Elizabeth City, New Jersey, daughter of the late Joseph and the late Sophie (nee: Cierieska) Ciborowski.Veronica would marry her first husband, Jean Burton, at the age of 15,...just 7 years later, she would be widowed. Her daughter Dian was just 6 years old at the time. Her husband's untimely death forced Veronica into the workforce to support herself and her young daughter. She worked as a waitress for many years, and even owned her own restaurant in Detroit called Dian's Grill. Veronica was also a fixture at the old Tiger stadium working in the concession stand behind First Base for 29 years selling beer. She could also be found at the Big House and the old Olympia Stadium working the concession stands there as well.Love would find Veronica once more in her life when.she met Lawrence Cilluffo. The two would eventually marry and have a daughter, Sarah. Lawrence and Veronica could often be found cutting it up on the ballroom dance floor. But nothing would bring them more happiness than their family cottage just north of Lexington. It was at the cottage that Veronica and her family would host many special events and family gatherings. The favorite event was the annual Fourth of July get-together and celebration that was talked about throughout the year. Veronica was the family cook, filling her home with the wonderful smells of home cooked food. One of her favorite things to prepare was her famous spaghetti sauce. On holiday's and other family celebrations, she would prepare the entire meal, not letting anyone lend a hand on even the simplest of dishes. For these occasions, she would also invite friends over who had no place to go for the holidays. Veronica's home was the place to be on those very special days. After her second husband, Lawrence died, Veronica continued to cook for herself and prepared her meals every day. In addition to preparing the food, Veronica always properly set her table to have a sit down meal,...even if it was just for herself.Mrs. Cilluffo was an active member of the St. Gertrude Senior Club and the Belgian Club. Even though she herself was not born Belgium, she still enjoyed the activities and fellowship with her fellow members. Veronica enjoyed playing bingo, pinochle, and trips to the casino. She also liked to keep her hands busy and would often crochet, creating countless afghans and pairs of slippers to share with family and friends throughout her life.For a woman who spent her whole life on the move, you would expect her to have flown around the world at least once. But in fact, in 99 years of life, she never once experienced the thrill of flying on an airplane. However, there was that one long train ride to Las Vegas she enjoyed many, many years ago.Veronica was blessed with a long life. She was a woman who always kept busy and was able to stay fairly independent until age 97. She would probably tell you her longevity was due to her ability to always smile and laugh,...or maybe she would say it was the combination of her two favorite drinks: Hi-balls and Budweiser. Her family would probably tell you the secret to Veronica's longevity was her feisty demeanor. Veronica would say whatever was on her mind, whenever it was on her mind. As you might imagine, this caused more than one embarrassing moment for her family through the years. Veronica was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence Cilluffo, and formerly of the late Jean Burton. Dearest mother of Dian (the late Patrick) Shea and Sarah (Scott) Anderson. Loving grandmother of the late Rebecca Shea, the late Rachel Videan, the late Patrick Jean Shea, Taryn Nelson, Carrie Nelson, and Jana Nelson. Sister of Joseph (Patricia) Ciborowski, Anne (the late Jack) Morris, and predeceased by siblings, Jenny (the late Edward) Mink, Lucille (the late Fred) Lyijynen, and Chester (Charlotte) Ciborowski. Visitation for Veronica will be held on Monday, August 10th from 3-9pm, with a 7 pm Scripture Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. Her Funeral Services will be conducted Tuesday, 11:00 am at the funeral home. Memorial donations are welcomed to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Metro Detroit Chapter, 2265 Livernois Avenue, Suite 410, Troy, MI 48083-1606. Please share memories of Veronica at her memory book above.