Rose T. Cira

Rose T. Cira, residing at the Hearth at Juday Creek, Granger, formerly of South Bend, passed away peacefully Monday, March 13, 2017.  She was 91 years old.

She was born February 25, 1926 in Vincennes, IN, to the late Charles & Margaret (Dattilo) Panzica, and has lived in South Bend since 1941, coming from Illinois.

On November 17, 1951 in South Bend, Rose was united in marriage to the love of her life, Joseph A. Cira, Jr.  Together they enjoyed 61 wonderful years of marriage until his passing on May 25, 2013.  She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ann Ryon and Lena Panzica, and her daughter-in-law, Deborah Lee Cira on October 27, 2008.

Rose is survived by her daughter, Nancy Jo Cira-Pletzke of South Bend; and her two sons, Michael A. Cira, and Patrick J. (Sue) Cira, all of South Bend.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Rachel (Rich) Brown, Lauren A. Cira, Michael (Andrea) Cira, Tara (Josh) Jones, Stacey (Joe) Klawiter, Matt Pletzke, and Elizabeth Pletzke, and eight great-grandchildren, as well as her two brothers, Anthony Panzica of Notre Dame, IN; and Joseph Panzica of South Bend.

Rose was a longtime faithful member of St. Matthew Cathedral, and the Rosary Society of the Church. She had a great love for the Blessed Mother. She enjoyed ceramics, music, and dancing. She loved going for drives in the country, being with her family, friends, and neighbors.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Friday, March 17, at St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami St., South Bend.  Rev. Terry Fisher will officiate.  Graveside services and burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, where a parish rosary will be said at 4:30 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Mrs. Cira may be offered to St. Matthew's Cathedral, or to the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana, 50 East 91st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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