Vincella Levantino

Levantino, Vincella "Vin" (nee Tumminia) baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection on February 4, 2014. She was born on June 23, 1914 in St. Louis to Joseph and Carlotta Tumminia (of Sicily). Vin lived in St. Louis all of her life, where she worked as a hairdresser for over 50 years, mainly at Stix Baer & Fuller (now Dillard's) at Westroads. Vin was flamboyant, fashionable and loved a good party with her large family: sisters Mary, Clara, Minnie and brothers Ernie and Ed, their spouses and children.

Vin was the beloved wife of the late Jack Levantino and a loving mother of the late Donald Anderson. She leaves her granddaughter Katherine Mills (nee Muti), grandson-in-law Harlo Mills and great-granddaughter Taylor Wendel. Despite losses in her life, Vin was a loving, optimistic person who doted on her granddaughter, great-granddaughter, nieces and nephews. Later in life, she was cared for by her niece, Carla Tumminia Borgard (Michael A. Borgard, Sr.) of St. Louis and her nephew, Ernest J. Tumminia, Jr. of Leawood, Kansas (Susan Tholen Tumminia). She also leaves loving nieces Katherine Tumminia Tholen (David) and Carol Tumminia Bergfeld (Charles) and nephews Joseph Tumminia (Ellen), Edward Tumminia (Carolyn) and Lawrence DiCampo (Betty) and many other special nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Vin very much and share many special memories of her fried artichokes, her card-playing and her hair-styling. They will miss the red lipstick stains she always left on their cheeks to thank them for visiting.

Vin was lovingly cared for by Laura and other caregivers at Gentiva Hospice. Her family would like to express their gratitude for being such wonderful companions to Vin in her final days. Donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice Foundation at http://www.gentivahospicefoundation.org/.

The family will receive friends Monday, February 10, 2014 from 10-11 am at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa at Watson. The interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery at 11:30 am.