Veronica Frucci

Veronica B. “Ronnie” Frucci, age 95, of Niles, Michigan died on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at her residence in the Dickereel neighborhood. She was born October 14, 1917 in Niles to Joseph & Elizabeth (Poanessa) Michienzi. On June 7, 1947 she married Dominic M. Frucci, who preceded her in death in 1951.

She owned and operated the former Ronnie’s Pavilion, Beach, and Party Store on Clear Lake in Buchanan, Michigan.

Ronnie was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles and a member and past-president of the Saint Mary Altar Rosary Society. She belonged to the Niles Business and Professional Women, where she had been a past-president and past-director. She was a member of the Lady Elks #1322, the Buchanan Garden Club, Clear Lake Association in Buchanan, and Fernwood Botanic Garden and Nature Center. As a young lady, in 1939, the Blossomtime Committee selected Ronnie to serve for a year as “Miss Niles”.

Her life story was a feature story in the July 12, 2000 edition of the Niles Daily Star.

Survivors include nephews whom she raised; Robert Geishert of Niles, Paul Geishert of Buchanan, Lewis Geishert, III of Niles and Steve Geishert of Niles and several other nieces and nephews. Also surviving is brother Tony Michienzi of Niles.

She was preceded in death by sisters Ann Vincent, Josephine Michienzi and Victoria Geishert and brothers Vito and Tom Michienzi.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Veronica “Ronnie” B. Frucci will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 19, 2012, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Niles, by the Rev. David Otto of the parish. Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the church one hour before the Mass.

Contributions in memory of Ronnie may be made to Saint Mary Catholic Church, Niles or Saint Mary Christian Service Center.

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