Sarafina M. Grone

Sarafina M. Grone, 95, of Galesburg, died at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. Sarafina was born May 23, 1918 in Abingdon, the daughter of Biagio and Chiara (Pica) Maienza.  She married Walter J. Grone, October 21, 1939 in Des Moines.  He preceded her in death on November 12, 1961.  Sarafina is survived by two daughters, Mary Ann Grone of Galesburg and Catherine Grone of New South Wales, Australia; and one granddaughter, Jennifer (Brian) Chapman of San Diego, CA.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her son, John C. Grone on January 16, 1991, five brothers, and two sisters. Sarafina attended Abingdon Schools.  In her younger days she was an avid bowler, belonging to many leagues.  She worked for Globe Co/Blue Bell, Gross Mfg, Protexal and retired from Admiral in 1981.  After retirement, Sarafina volunteered her services at OSF St. Mary Medical Center for 12 years.  Sarafina was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where she was one of the first participants of the Eucharistic Adoration.  Sarafina also enjoyed traveling, both within the United States and overseas.  She liked to sew, read, and finish giant word search puzzle books. A memorial mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 21, 2013 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where the rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, Galesburg Rescue Mission, or to the Association of the Miraculous Medal, PO Box 8000, Perryville, MO 63775-8000.  Funeral services have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home, Galesburg.