Florence C. Serpe, age 96 of Phoenix, AZ, died on Thursday, August 10, 2017.

Born in Racine on July 8, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Susie (Matagrano) Zicarelli. She was a graduate of Horlich High School.

On July 7, 1945 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Racine, she was united in marriage to Gerald F. “Jiggs” Serpe. Sadly, after 48 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on December 16, 1993.

Florence was employed in sales with both Korf’s and Lepp’s in downtown Kenosha.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and their Ladies Sodality. In her younger years, Florence enjoyed golfing, knitting, play pinochle and bingo. She was an avid reader and enjoyed working word puzzles. Before moving to Arizona, she enjoyed taking trips there.

She is survived by her two daughters, Barbara (Benny) Ruffolo and Jeri (Donald) Nielson; her two grandchildren, Ryan (Sarah) Nielson and Christina Jesselaitis; her great-granddaughters, Amaya, Madelyn and Arabella Nielson, and Brielle Jesselaitis; three step-grandchildren, Benny (Ala) Ruffolo, Jr., Michael (Netasha) Ruffolo, and Erica Ruffolo; and step-great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Zicarelli.

Service Info

Funeral Services honoring Florence’s life will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017 beginning with a prayer service at 11:15 a.m. from the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 2224 45th Street. Entombment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum.