With an uncompromising faith as her lifelong guide, Mildred Garuccio was a gracious and kindhearted woman who was a blessing to those around her. Throughout her life that spanned nearly a century, she lived life fully while holding her loved ones near. Mildred exemplified what it means to be a loving wife and devoted mother who treasured nothing more than watching her family tree blossom with numerous younger generations who filled her heart with unspeakable joy. Approachable and genuine with a warm demeanor, she never met a stranger and loved being around not only her family but her friends as well. Although Mildred will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a shining legacy that is deeply rooted in faith, compassion, and unconditional love that will be carried on by those who follow her.Although WWI officially ended in June of 1919 with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, many nations throughout Europe and Asia struggled for years to come, and the nation of Italy was not immune. It was during this eventful time that a young couple from Vallelonga, Italy, was blessed with the birth of a healthy baby girl on March 31, 1920. Mildred ‘Domenica’ was one of three children born to her parents, Frank and Rose DeCaria. Raised alongside her siblings, Anna and Paul, she spent her earliest years in Vallelonga, located in the southern “tip” of the boot of Italy. In 1927 Mildred and her family came to the United States, settling in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, when she was just seven years old.Life was forever changed for Mildred when she met the young man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Joe Garuccio, and he too was born in Italy and immigrated to the United States – he was 17 years old when he arrived. The couple was smitten with each other right from the start, and they began developing a relationship. Their blossoming romance soon underwent a change as Joe enlisted in the United States Army during the days of WWII. While he was overseas, the sweethearts corresponded by letter, further deepening their love in a new way. While remaining stateside Mildred worked at the Ellwood Products Corporation. After being discharged on August 29, 1945, Joe and Mildred were married just one month later, on September 27, 1945, in Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Ellwood City. Together they welcomed two daughters, Rosemary and Linda, and two sons, Dominic and Joseph, into their hearts and home.In 1950, the bustling family moved to Monaca where Mildred remained for the rest of her life. She fit right in to her new surroundings and became a part of several organizations and groups. Mildred was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and St. John’s Christian Mothers. In addition, Mildred was a lifetime member of the Beaver Valley Sportsman Club and also a member of a sewing club, the ‘Happy Hookers’, that met weekly on Thursday afternoons in each other’s homes.In her free time Mildred was always doing something. She and her husband tended to a large garden every year, and she loved nothing more than her fresh broccoli prepared with garlic. This was a dish that Mildred ate almost on a daily basis. Together she and Joe did a bit of traveling, although it was Mildred who was more of the adventurous one as he would have been just as happy at home. They took but trips to Mountaineer Race Track Casino and Resort in New Cumberland, West Virginia, and Mildred also took him places like Branson, Missouri, and Las Vegas. Mildred also enjoyed cooking, and as her family and friends can attest everything she made was amazing, especially her Italian dishes and cookies.Even during her sunset years Mildred was one to be busy. She spent the past three months living at Beaver Meadows Assisted Living facility where she became immediately well received by the residents and staff alike. Insisting that her Italian sauce recipe was better than theirs, Mildred wanted to give them her own recipe. She also convinced them to play her favorite game, Bunco, too. She was so blessed to be able to hold her first great-great-grandchild, Kamryn, shortly before she drew her last breath.The matriarch of her family, Mildred Garuccio selflessly nurtured the family she treasured. She was a lively and vibrant woman with a contagious zest for life as her constant companion until her last days. Mildred was never one to worry about building wealth, rather, she focused her time and attention on blessing all who were within her reach. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.Mildred ‘Domenica’ DeCaria Garuccio, of Monaca, died on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. Mildred’s family includes her two daughters, Rosemary of Monaca and Linda of Catasauqua, PA; two sons, Dominic and his wife, Marcy of Beaver and Joseph and his wife, Becky of Monaca; eight grandchildren, Melissa, Shelly, Leah, Marissa, Paul, Joseph, Katy and Jacob; six great-grandchildren, Jocelyn, L.B., Katy, Domenica, Thomas and Colby; great-great-grandchild, Kamryn; brother-in-law, Aldo (Barbara) Garuccio; sister-in-law, Virginia Purnell; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph, on Dec. 1, 1999; sister, Anna; brother, Paul; in-laws, Dominick and Maria Garuccio; brother-in-law, Larry (Theresa) Garuccio; and a sister-in-law, Theresa Golba. Friends will be received Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. in the SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Ave., Monaca, (724) 728-4000, where parting prayers will be offered on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 1 p.m. in St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. The family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired, to St. John the Baptist School, 1501 Virginia Ave., Monaca, PA 15061. To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.