Elsie Fontana

Elsie Fontana, age 87 of Warren, died Saturday, October 3, 2009 at home. She was born on June 1, 1922 in England, the daughter of the late Joseph and the late Charlotte (nee: Burgess) Drinkwater. Shortly after World War II, Elsie married the man that she would go on to spend the next 37 years with, her beloved Duilio, until his passing in 1983. Duilio was a POW from the Italian Army, being held in a british camp. On weekends, the british would grant furlows to the POW's who would head into town for a little break from the rigors of the week. It was on one of those weekend furlows that Elsie and Duilio came to meet, and soon fell in love. Even amidst the initial language barrier, (as Duilio only spoke Italian), the two were head-over-heels for each other and managed to communicate with simple hand gestures which spoke loud and clear. And as love would dictate, the most important hand gesture the two would come to share was the exchanging of each other's upon the altar in marriage. Along with keeping a home and raising a family, Elsie was a proud employee of the local Chatham's Market where she worked as a clerk. When she wasn't working, Elsie would often be found climbing into the social pool where she enjoyed sharing activities with family and friends that included bowling, golf, Bingo, and the occasional card game here and there. Another of her passions was heading to the casino and giving those "one-armed bandits" a run for the money. But her greatest love of all was, simply, interacting with her children and grandchildren and making the moments that will live in their hearts forever. That's the legacy she leaves to a family who will miss her immensely. Beloved wife of the late Duilio. Loving mother of James (Connie) Fontana. Dearest grandmother of Michael, Elizabeth, Christina and David. Visitation for Elsie will be on Tuesday, October 6th from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. Her Funeral Service will be at 11:00am on Wednesday, October 7th at the funeral home. Memorial donations are appreciated to the Meals On Wheels Association of America. Please share memories of Elsie at her guest book.