Born April 22, 1933 in Casalvieri, Italy to Antonio and Maria DiFonzo. She was married to Onorio Vella on September 28, 1957 and worked alongside him in his many business endeavors. She is survived by her sister, Clara, her children, Rosa (Gottlieb) and Francesco, her two grandchildren, Adriana and Katarina (Branden), and her great-grandchild, Mariella. Benedetta is preceded in death by her husband, Onorio, her sister, Francesca, and her brother, Elvidio.
Benedetta was passionate about many things. She would always welcome you into her home with a home cooked Italian meal, and loved nothing more than having her family gathered together for special occasions. Benedetta loved sports, especially hockey and college football, and we always knew she was the one to call if we needed updates on a big game. She loved her granddaughters more than anything and she never missed a moment of their lives, especially when it came to their tennis careers. Benedetta became Nonna to everyone who was lucky enough to meet her. She was a true example of a woman of God, who leaned on her faith and the support of family to get through even her toughest days. Benedetta had a way of making her family feel her love without having to say a word, and she will forever be dearly missed.
Funeral mass will be held on June 9, 2020 at 12:00pm at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1400 Inglewood Avenue, Rochester, MI. Visitation will be held on June 8, 2020 at 2pm at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester, MI.
