Silvia Galbreath

Silvia Luciana Galbreath, age 93, of Bedford Twp., passed away on March 20, 2021 at home, surrounded by her children.  She was born on June 19, 1927 in Aurisina, Italy, the daughter of Silvio and Ida (Ongaro) Satta.  She attended high school in Italy, later receiving her GED in Battle Creek.  While in Italy, she worked for a tailor school where she became a seamstress, making handmade suits for men and women.  Silvia went through WWII where she lost her home during the bombing, making her home then in the mountains.  Sylvia was united in marriage on March 5, 1949 at Basilica of Monfalcone to Sgt. Richard Galbreath, he preceded her in death.  Also preceding her in death were a brother; Guido Satta, sisters; Silvana Satta, Maria Satta niece; Monica Galliani, and nephew; Silvio Satta Bocalatta.  Silvia took care of her 14 year old sister, Maria  who died from a non-treated bite, and passed in Silvia’s arms.  Silvia enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, and teaching them about God, cooking, cleaning, and playing.  Her hobbies included sewing, embroidery, knitting and cooking.  She worked for a local drycleaner in Battle Creek for many years.   Silvia also  babysat, and was like a mother to the neighbor kids; Val, Mark, and Brian.   Silvia was a pillar of St. Jerome Catholic Church, working for them since the church’s establishment in 1955.  Her main job was custodial, where she did a man’s job at 4’11” and 100 lbs., and never complained.  She worked several events at the church including: Bingo, Women League, Lenten Luncheon, Funeral Dinners, Strawberry Festival and Thanksgiving dinners.  Silvia loved cooking for friends, relatives, priests at St. Jerome’s, and 3-4 Bishops from the Diocese of Kalamazoo.  Fr. Palmer said she did a wonderful job at cleaning, and to make sure she brought her sweeper with her when she comes to heaven, Silvia replied “No way I’m going to relax!”  Surviving are her children; Maurizio Galbreath, G. “Joy” Maria Avani, Mario (Karen)  Galbreath, Silvio Galbreath, grandchildren; Emily and Ian Galbreath, Robert (Jessica) Bailey, Gia and Nicco Galbreath, great granddaughter; Aryana Bailey, and several nieces and nephews in Italy.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 30, 2021  from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services, where the Recitation of The Rosary will follow at 4:00 p.m.  Masks are required, and the number of persons in the funeral home is limited to 25 at a time.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated  10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2021  at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Fr. Christopher Ankley, celebrant.  Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jerome Catholic Church.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org