Catherine G. Villeneuve, 90
Feb. 1, 1921 — Dec. 27, 2011
Catherine G. Villeneuve, 90, of Niles died at 4:40 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles following a brief illness.
She was born on Feb. 1, 1921, in Niles to Frank and Catarina (Frucci) Frucci. She graduated from Niles High School and lived here all of her life. She was a court reporter, and served Judge Norman Kopec in the Saint Joseph ounty (Indiana) Superior Court for 20 years.
Mrs. Villeneuve was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church, Niles. She coordinated the blood drives for the Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross for many years. She volunteered with the Adult Literacy Council. She was a member of The Prairie Club for preservation of Lake Michigan shoreline, the Abbey Players of First Presbyterian Church, and the Seepewa Reading Club of Niles. She enjoyed playing bridge and gardening.
On July 12, 1945, in Charlevoix, she married Robert D. Villeneuve who preceded her in death on Nov. 24, 1985. She was also preceded in death by their son, Craig Villeneuve on Dec. 9, 1980; her adoptive parents, Burton 7 Olga Giddings, M.D.; and by her brother, Gentilo T. “Tony” Frucci, and sisters, Brondi Callendar and Celeste Shively.
Catherine is survived by her son, Todd S. Villeneuve of South Bend, Ind.; and granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Villeneuve; and Catherine’s brothers, Frank Frucci of San Franciso, Calif., and Joseph Frucci of Coral Gables, Fla.
The funeral service for Catherine G. Villeneuve will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of the church officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles. Contributions in memory of Catherine may be made to the Niles District Library.
Niles Daily Star, Published online 7:55pm Wednesday, December 28, 2011