Sylvia A. (Beaudoin) Camomilli

 Sylvia A. Camomilli, 90, Mosinee, formerly of Gaastra, Michigan passed away peacefully with family at her side on Saturday, March 23, 2019, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.

She was born July 1, 1928, in Wauwatosa, daughter of the late Oliver and Frieda (Scopici) Beaudoin.  She moved with her siblings as a young girl to the Iron River, Michigan area where they were raised by their maternal grandma, Albina Scopici. They grew up alongside their aunt Rose, who was like another sister to them. Sylvia graduated from Iron River High School in 1946 and married Duilio “Dovey” Camomilli later that summer. They made their life together in the area.  He preceded her in death on October 24, 2001.

Sylvia worked for many years as a grocery store cashier, and she and Dovey sold antique and vintage items at flea markets in Minocqua and St. Germain for more than 20 years in retirement. Sylvia was well-known at the flea markets for her beautifully pressed vintage linens and antique glassware.

Sylvia was a wonderful cook with a generous heart; there was always room for one more person at her table, no matter how little they had. Throughout much of her life, Sylvia enjoyed sewing, knitting, crochet, gardening, and canning. She played cards weekly with her "card club ladies" for many years and taught many of her grandkids how to play canasta. She and Dovey enjoyed putting together puzzles, and she was also a phenomenal Scrabble and Big Boggle player. Sylvia was an avid reader until becoming visually impaired later in life, at which time she discovered audiobooks. She also became an avid Brewers fan later in life and rarely missed watching a game.

Some of Sylvia's fondest memories were of packing the kids up and driving out into the country for a picnic. She also loved to pick wild berries and hazelnuts. In the fall, Sylvia and Dovey loved to spend time in the woods, picking button mushrooms to can and bird hunting. They also enjoyed spending time at the family deer camp.

Sylvia had a lifelong love of learning. She enjoyed a variety of programs on public television, and was amazed at the vast amount of information readily available on the internet. In the past few years, she would frequently ask family members to ask Siri who sang a certain song, if a favored actor was still alive, or how things were made.

Sylvia enjoyed talking to people from all walks of life and hearing their stories. She didn't like to complain and she felt strongly about doing what needs to be done. Sylvia was a lifelong Catholic of deep faith, belonging to St. Cecilia in Caspian, Michigan, for much of her life.

One of the highlights of Sylvia's life was a surprise 90th birthday party her family threw for her last summer. Extended family drove and flew in from around the state and country, and she talked about that day for months after.

Survivors include her children Richard (Cindy Adams) Camomilli, New Holstein, Suzzette Camomilli, Kiel, and Tess (Ken) Damitz, Weston, 13 grandchildren including special granddaughters Gina (Robert) Provensal, Kenner, Louisiana, and Amie Leonoff, Wausau, 18 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, one sister, Janet (Bob) Kenney, Colgate, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by special aunt Rose Cozzuol, infant son Daniel Alexander Camomilli,  grandson Paul Camomilli, and her beloved older brother, Oliver “Jack” Beaudoin.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild.  The Rev. Allan L. Slowiak will preside.  Burial will follow later in spring at the Iron River Cemetery.  Friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services, all at the church.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, Wisconsin Public Television, and Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library.

Sylvia's family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital Palliative Care Unit and Mount View Care Center for the attentive and loving care they gave her in her final weeks of life, as well as the kindness and compassion they showed our family during this difficult time.   Profound thanks also to Dr. Coy Johnston of Aspirus Weston Clinic, whose compassion, humor and respect for Sylvia's autonomy and dignity in these last years will never be forgotten.