Mary Banfi

MONONA-Mary (Mitzi) Banfi, age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at her home surrounded by her loving family.Mitzi was born Maria Rose Reithofer, on February 25, 1922, in the mountain village of Turnau, Austria. As a girl she loved skiing in the Alps, swimming in its streams, and exploring the forest for berries and flowers with her friends and family. As a young woman during World War II, she owned and operated her hometown's general store through its occupation. Mitzi married Waldemar Banfi of Sopron, Hungary, on May 4, 1948, and together they came to America with their first child in 1950. The family lived on the south side of Chicago for several years before settling in Monona, where the Banfis have lived for the past 55 years. Throughout all her days, Mitzi's dedication to family enriched her and our lives immeasurably. From raising her younger siblings through the war, to nurturing her own husband and children in America, Mitzi shared her indomitable spirit, playful wit, clever mind, and unconditional love. Her selfless nature remains an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. Mitzi loved the home life and was a wonderful hostess. She enjoyed cooking and baking her legendary Austrian-Hungarian specialties from scratch for our big family gatherings, and her bountiful garden nourishes us to this day through her green thumb and care of the earth. From knitting to canning, child-rearing to homemaking, Mitzi applied her incredible skills with elegance and delight. Mitzi raised her children with her full heart, pride, and joy. Mitzi enjoyed swimming at the Monona pool with her dear friends, and sharing coffee with neighbors. She always had a secret stash of chocolates for visitors. In her 17 years working at Donutland Cafe' on Monona Drive, she never missed a day. Always ready with a smile, Mitzi was a great listener and loved learning about people and the world. She enjoyed several trips abroad, visiting her children and relatives in the United States and Europe. Mitzi's courage and grace was unmatched, and her down-to-earth attitude and steadfast faith made her a rock for many. Mema, we will miss your laughter, your sparkling eyes, your endearing voice, and your unwavering support in difficult times. We are so grateful to you for blessing our lives with your love, and we know you were greeted with joy in heaven! A true Mother Mary has returned home. Mitzi was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anna Reithofer; brothers, Kurt, Willi, and Dr. Gerhard Reithofer; sister, Magdelena (Leni) Reithofer; husband, Dr. Waldemar E. Banfi, J.D.; daughter, Christina J. Banfi; and son-in-law, Roland Piquepaille. She is survived by six children, George (Karen Nowak) Banfi of Madison, Gerhard (Cyndi) Banfi of Cambridge, Katherine (Tim) Carew of Monona, Suzanne Banfi-Piquepaille of Paris, France, Walter (Kate) Banfi of Prairie du Sac, and Margaret (Peggy) Teufel (Irineo Salazar) of Oakland, CA; two nephews Hans and Sepp Reithofer of Pismo Beach, CA; and six grandchildren, George Allen Jr., Heidi and Stephanie Banfi, Kelty and Weston Carew, and Maximilian Teufel. The family would like to thank the kind nurses at St. Mary's Renal Center and Hospice Care for their support over the last year and final days of Mitzi's incredible life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at 11 a.m., at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of mass on Tuesday. Cemetery: Roselawn Memorial Park Visitation: Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of mass on Tuesday. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at 11 a.m., at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona.