Rosalie Brocato Arena, born January 4, 1931, went to be with God August 19, 2004. Rosalie was a lifelong resident of Beaumont, born to Pasquale (Charlie) Antonio Brocato, from Cefalu, Sicily and Amelia Serio Brocato from New Orleans.
Rosalie is survived by her husband of 50 years, Joseph Anthony Arena, along with their children; Debbie Wiggins and husband Butch of Lumberton, Joe Arena, Jr. and wife Sherry of Nederland, Chuck Arena and wife Sherri of Richardson, Rosie Robertson of Beaumont, Lisa Arena and Beth Rader of San Francisco, CA; seven grandchildren, Joey, Tiffany, Rachel, Lindsey, Hannah, Nicole and Claire. Rosalie is also survived by her only sister, Connie Brocato of Beaumont; brothers and sisters-in-law, Archie and Violet Arena, Josie Serafino, Kelly and Donna Arena of Beaumont and Frances Madaffari of Harlingen.
Rosalie enjoyed a blessed life with many lifelong friends and relatives. She was a graduate of Beaumont High School and attended Lamar Technical College. She was active in the Catholic Women’s Guild of Saint Jude Thaddeus and served as VP of the Italian-American Society in Beaumont. Her favorite activities were visiting with friends and family, traveling to see her many cousins in New Orleans, cooking and eating, playing poker and cutting up with clients and co-workers at the Triangle Aids Network, where she worked as a receptionist.
Rosalie’s family would like to thank the many friends, family, medical staff and in-home helpers.
Please join us in celebrating Rosalie’s life on earth and pray for her on her final journey.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 23, 2004 at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 N. Major Drive, Beaumont. A Christian Vigil will be Sunday evening at 5:00 P.M. at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mamie McFaddin Ward Cancer Center, 2830 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702; Triangle AIDS Network, 2544 Broadway, Beaumont, Texas 77702; St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church 6825 Gladys, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
