Florence DalPonte

Florence Emma (Sangalli) DalPonte, 97, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, July 3, 2020 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo. Florence was born September 15, 1922 in Ishpeming, Michigan, the daughter of Battista and Erminia (Catto) Sangalli. On January 19, 1957 she married Chester DalPonte at Immaculate Conception Church in Three Rivers, where they remained lifelong and faithful members. They shared 58 years together before his passing on January 10, 2015. Florence was a 1940 graduate of Three Rivers High School. During World War II Florence was a "Rosie the Riveter" in California at an Air Force base making airplane parts for fighter planes. During her lifetime she held various secretarial positions at Continental Can Co., Michigan Gas and Electric Co., and the Three Rivers Public School system where she retired after 10 years of service. Florence enjoyed sports and was a loyal fan to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and the Three Rivers Wildcats. She was a member of the Athletic Booster Club for T.R.H.S. She was a member of the Daughters of Mary, and served as vice president of the Three Rivers Eagles and Three Rivers Bowling League. She truly was a woman of faith, family and service. She is survived by daughters, Patti DalPonte Scott and Mary (Jerry) Kandlstorfer; grandchildren, Stephanie (Edward) Kolakowski, Kristy (Kathryn) Scott, Lauren (Jason) Copenhaver and Karen (Kevin) Kandlstorfer-Chaffee; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Gonda, Greyson Scott, Fischer Chaffee, Kyler and Brynn Copenhaver; brother, Peter Sangalli; and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband (Chester); sisters, Mary DalPonte, Louise Clipfell, Virginia Pitts; brothers, Bill Sangalli and Jerry Sangalli. In accordance with family wishes cremation will be conducted. A Rosary will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Three Rivers. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Mathias and Msgr. Mike Hazard as celebrants. Interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials in Florence's memory may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwestern Michigan or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.hohnerfh.com.