Rosetta Farinella Giardina passed from her earthly life into her heavenly life on Saturday, October 11, 2008, at the age of 91. She was born on August 5, 1917 to Justo Fairnella and Frances Galino Farinella in Port Arthur, Texas. The family soon moved to Beaumont where she grew up, attended public grade school, and took violin lessons. She graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1935.
In 1936, she married Guy J. Giardina and together they had six children. She was very happy caring for her family; she took part as room mother, working in PTA and the Mother’s Club. She was a very loving person who cared for her mother and mothers-in-law before their deaths.
She was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church where the family was included in the founding members of the parish. She wholeheartedly took her turn helping in her parish church and several of the ministries of the parish for many years, including taking Communion to the sick. She was also a member of the Dominican Laity, helping with the work of the organization and attending meetings as long as she was able.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, David C. Giardina; two brothers, John B. Farinella and J.C. Farinella; two sons-in-law, Blakley Manuel and John McGowan, and six great-grandchildren. She is survived by sons, Joe Guy Giardina and wife Cathy; Jerry Giardina and wife Kay; daughters, Jo Frances Manuel, Dianne Kempf and husband Mike, and Mary Jade McGowan; sister, Sr. Justin Farinella, OP; sister-in-law, Helen Farinella; very good friend, Sr. Rita Owens, OP; twelve grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.
Many thanks go to the wonderful caregivers Mother had at her home, at Beaumont Health Care Center, and with the Harbor Hospice staff. Particular thanks go to Lillian Townsend, a special lady.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza, Archbishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Beaumont at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 14, 2008 with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 4:30 p.m., Monday, October 13, 2008 with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m. and a Christian Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 4445 Avenue A, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 829, Beaumont, Texas 77704-0829.
