Elizabeth Rookis Sudano

Elizabeth Ann Rookis Sudano 92, a resident of Troy, Alabama died on March 19, 2024. Heaven received an angel on March 19, 2024, which is a Catholic feast day. It is St. Josephs Death Feast Day – known as the “happy death” day. How great is God that he choose to bring her home on that day! She had a “happy death” – no pain, no sorrow, no suffering, surrounded by her family, telling her how much they loved her and thanking her for dedicating her life to them. It was a beautiful goodbye to a classy lady.

Elizabeth was born in Birmingham, Al on December 16, 1931, to Joseph J. Rookis and Annie Naro Rookis. She was of Lebanese and Italian descent. Her culture and family were her joys. She was “Grandma” to all who came in contact with her. She had a “giving” heart and was confidant to many.

Elizabeth graduated from John Carroll School in 1950. She had a successful career in banking, but her main passion was devoting her life as a single mother raising 6 children and assisting with raising grandchildren, who she loved with her entire heart.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph J. Rookis and Annie Naro Rookis, brothers Nasief Rookis and Henry Rookis, nephews Jeffrey Bishop and Rob Rookis, and son in law, Wiley C Sanders Jr. She is survived by her loving daughters, Carol Sudano, Toni Sanders, Nikki Derzis (Sammy), and sons, Joseph Sudano, Carl Sudano (Linda), and Robert Sudano. Her twin sisters, Rosann Rookis Messer and Joann Rookis Bishop (Sanders). Grandchildren, Julie Sanders (Shannon), Gregory Derzis, Alekos Derzis (Alaina), Avery Sanders (Mackenzi), Jamie Sudano, Tony Sudano, Jesslyn Clifton (David), Stephen Sanders (Kelly) and James Sanders. Great-grandchildren, Toni Dennis (Payton), Nikki Hopper, Charlee Sanders, Carmen Sanders, Jeannie Sanders, Georgia Mae Sanders, Gena Sanders, Maggie Sanders, JW Sanders & Alexandria Sanders. Great-Great Grandchild, Riggs Dennis. Sister-in-laws, Sharon Rookis & Polly Rookis, and many loving nieces and nephews. She is now rejoicing in heaven with her parents and brothers Nasief Rookis and Henry Rookis.

Funeral services will be held at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church Saturday, March 23, 2024. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00am, followed by rosary & mass at 11:00 am. The burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama. Mercy Meal following burial at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church.