Ida Guastella

Ida Guastella, age 87 of Westland, and formerly a longtime resident of Sterling Heights, died Thursday, September 12, 2013 at the American House surrounded by her loved ones.She was born on June 6, 1926 in New York, New York, daughter of the late Joseph and the late Caroline (nee: Dallara) Bonici.Along with her calling as a wife, mother and homemaker, Ida was one of the many "pioneers" of her day who decided to step outside of the house into the realm of work. Her earlier years of employment were with the Chrysler corporation of companies where she held varied positions with Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth. Later, she happened along the path of the Warren Consolidated School District where she worked as a secretary and extended the best of herself until her ultimate retirement. Working for the school system was most rewarding for Ida, and a job which brought her considerable pride.Ida was a magnificent and eclectic lady who possessed an immense appreciation for the arts. For her, its greatest impact came through the venue of music, especially the classics. From what began in her early school years and carried through into adulthood, Ida was gifted with amazing recall for the many operas and symphonic masterpieces that graced her senses and filled her heart. Another of the gifts that set her apart was a musical ear that often found its form in the playing of her harmonica, or the beautiful lilts that accompanied her singing in harmony. And like many people of her generation, she was truly enamored with the sounds and entertainment of the popular & revered, Lawrence Welk. Ah, the wonderful memories of the infamous bubbles and baton,...both timeless and treasured, especially to Ida. Though Ida spent most of her life here in Michigan, her childhood was spent in the Big Apple of New York,...a place that many will never contest was where she left a considerable chunk of her heart. And it would call her back often, at least every summer for a few weeks of enjoyment in the company of her sister, Louise. Together, with family in tow, Ida would be reunited with loved ones and friends,...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...and with a sense of "home" that the Mitten just couldn't offer. It was a place of memories that Ida held close to her heart and was blessed to visit over and over in her mind. Born with the Italian surname of Bonici, Ida was extremely proud of her heritage and brought it great acclaim through her magic in the kitchen. When it came to Italian cooking, nobody could hold a candle to the matchless meals that Ida created. There was never a hungry belly to leave her table,...and if you did, it was your own fault. Of all the delicious treats she was known for, her son recalls the infamous "Torta" as being the Italian favorite that put his Mom on the culinary map. This delicate dough-filled wrap of potatoes, leeks, onions and spices provided countless moments of eating pleasure,...especially on the family road trips in the car. The only downside was the flaky mess it left in its wake,...a constant torment for her husband who prided himself on the detailed cleanliness of his automobiles.And speaking of her husband, the remembrance was shared of how beautiful it was to watch she and Tony, lost in each others' arms on the dance floor. Whether for the various parties or weddings they attended, they always managed to find their way to where the music was,...and were truly a sight to behold as they swept each other across the floor with a symmetry that had been woven through years of practice,...and love. Life may have brought its share of challenges to their world, but those precious moments on the dance floor together made a world of difference.Ida was the beloved wife of the late Tony. Dearest mother of Dennis (Rose) Guastella and Robert (Geri) Guastella. Loving grandmother of Vanessa, Janine, Rachele, Nicole (Brandon), Anthony, Joshua, and great-grandmother of Noah, Caleb, Elliott and Miles. Sister of the late Louise Fiorelli, the late Dominic Bonici, and stepsister of Jennie (John) Rizzo, Gasper (Michelle) Barbaro, and Michael (Angela) Barbaro. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. To these loving family members, and the friends she leaves behind,...Ida will be missed immensely and loved eternally.A Committal Service for Ida will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, September 14th in the chapel at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township, Michigan.Memorial contributions, in Ida's name, may be donated to the St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept.142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. Ida's heart of compassion and giving spirit was just one of the pillars of support that helped to keep Danny Thomas' dream alive, and the kids cared for at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee. Please share memories of Ida at her memory book.