Alfonsa Porcari

Alfonsa Porcari, aged 85, was called home to our Heavenly Father on December 16, 2023. Alfonsa was born to Giovanni and Generosa Viani in Norma, Italy on August 3, 1938 as Europe was on the verge of another world war.  Her formative years were spent living through the horrors of war - first by the occupation of her town by the Nazis followed by the invasion of Italy by the Allies at nearby Anzio.  After the war, she had to endure the societal chaos as Europe was rebuilt. Despite these terrible events, the person she would become was molded predominantly by the richness of the Italian and Roman Catholic cultures that she was surrounded by.

Her life was to change again in a monumental way in 1965. Amilcare, a hometown boy from Norma who had migrated to the USA years earlier, had returned to visit Norma.  On this visit,  they met and fell in love. Desiring a family and a better life in the US, Alfonsa made the very difficult decision of leaving her family and motherland and married Amilcare. Upon arriving, she fell immediately in love with the USA.  She learned to speak English and drive, and she eventually became a naturalized citizen.

Amilcare and Alfonsa settled in Wyandotte, Michigan and started their family.  They had three children and together they maintained a stable and loving household and nurtured their children with all they had to offer.  Alfonsa was a selfless and affectionate woman, especially when it came to her family.  Her greatest source of pride and love was her husband, her children, and their families.  Alfonsa had a place in her heart, and a hug and kiss for each of her ten grandchildren, who affectionately called her nonna.  Her thoughtfulness and love for her family was unmistakable and always welcomed.

She was extremely proud of being a traditional wife and mother. This brought her the greatest joy and sense of accomplishment. She was the “classical” Italian wife, mother, and grandmother (Italian accent and all).  After all her children had left home and were busy with their careers, she sought employment and was employed as a house keeper at Wyandotte General hospital for 13 years

Alfonsa will always be remembered for her meekness, humility and resilience. She will always be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.  We miss you, we love you, we hope you rest in peace, and we will see you again in heaven.  

Alfonsa was preceded in death by her parents, Giovanni and Generosa Viani; husband, Amilcare; and siblings, Rosa, Gilberto, Oreste, and Venicio Viani. She is survived by her daughter, Annamarie (Washdev) Mata, and sons Angelo (Jennifer) Porcari, Anthony Porcari. Grandchildren include Lucas, Loren and Michael Mata; Giulian, Gianna and Roman Porcari and Sienna, Anthony, Chase, and Jameson Porcari.

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.  A Rosary will be said at 7:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass will be held at on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Resurrection Parish Catholic Church, 48755 Warren Road, Canton, Michigan.  Alfonsa will be in-state at 9:30 A.M.

Those who wish to honor the memory of Alfonsa Porcari are invited to consider a contribution to Resurrection Parish Catholic Church, 48755 Warren Road, Canton, Michigan 48187.

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.