Ersilia Ida Pate

Ersilia Pate, 95, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother went peacefully to her heavenly home on Friday, May 10th 2024.

Ersilia was born on June 7th 1928 to the late Matteo and Anna Maria Porco in San Lucido, Italy, a small village on the coast of the Mediterranian.  In 1946 she married Pierino Pate and had 3 children.  When she was 27, she and her 3 children waved goodbye to her beloved Pierino as he set sail for his journey to the USA, full of hopes and dreams of finding a better life for his family.  Ersilia waited patiently for 3 years for immigration to be approved.  The approval finally came in December 1957 just days after getting a telegram that Pierino had died suddenly at work.  In the midst of her grief she resolved to fulfill his dream.  She arrived in Weirton, WV in February 1958 where she worked, raised her children and lived for 18 years.

In February 1976 she moved to Phoenix, AZ where she worked at Phoenix General Hospital until she retired in 1998.  After moving to Sun City, AZ, she enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, going to the casinos and traveling.

She was an incredible lady.  First and foremost was her unwavering faith and trust in God followed by her love of family.  She lived her life to the fullest with courage and grace and was an inspiration to her family and to all that knew her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Pierino, her son Adam Pate, two brothers, Mercurio and Ottavio Porco. and granddaughter in law Tamie Iaquinta and son in law Sam Iaquinta.

She is survived by her daughter Rose Iaquinta, son Joseph Pate (Mary Ann). 3 grandchildren, Lori Iaquinta, Mark Iaquinta, Paul Iaquinta, great granddaughter Madison Iaquinta.

Though she may be gone from our sight, her love will shine forever in our hearts.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ersilia's memory may be made to St. Vincent de Paul.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at St. Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, 11625 N. 111th Ave, Sun City AZ.