Rosa Stagno-DiBlasi

Rosa Stagno-Di Blasi, age 93, passed away at her daughter’s home in Granger, IN, on January 28, 2018.  Rosa was born December 1, 1924 in Messina, Italy to the late Pietro and Letteria Stagno. She was the first of 11 children, as such she was always helping her mother taking care of her brothers and sisters. Throughout her life  she was always the first to volunteer her help to those in need, often putting their wellbeing ahead of her own.

Rosa was bright and inquisitive, she loved to read classical literature and philosophy, and studied home economics. She married Giovanni Maffei at the age of 18 just before the Second World War. During those challenging times she had three children: PierLuigi, Elio and Daniele. They all survived the war through much pain and loss. After the war Giovanni and Rosa divorced and she moved to Venezuela to rejoin her family that had recently emigrated from Italy. In Venezuela she met Fernando Natella, a botanist from Italy who was working on a research project. They married in 1957 and together, they ran a successful business importing agricultural seeds from all over the world. They had two children, Patrizia and Dora. Patrizia died of cancer at the age of 8. This traumatic event eventually led to their divorce.

Fernando preceded her in death, passing away in 1999 at the age of 79.

Rosa loved life, was an amazing cook, and loved to sew. She also was a self taught businesswoman., in fact she helped create and manage a couple of successful businesses. She lived a long and remarkable life  that spaned almost a century.  Everyone in her family and even strangers were touched by her compassion and generosity. She will always be remembered as a caretaker and provider for her family, and as a strong, courageous and fiercly independent woman to those who knew her. 

Surviving are her children Elio Maffei, Perluigi Maffei, and Dora Natella, and her siblings Elena Schultz Stagno, Graziella Zink, Maria Chicco, Roberto Stagno and Gabriele Stagno. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren. Rosa was preceded in death by five of her siblings, and two children, Daniele Maffei and Patrizia Natella.

There will be no services at this time for Rosa.  Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting with the details.  To leave a condolence or light a virtual candle in Rosa's memory, please follow the links provided on the "Tribute Wall" tab. 

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