Antonette "Nina" Antonelli

Antonette \u0027Nina\u0027 Antonelli, 72, of Clarkdale, AZ passed away on Thursday, May 10th. She was born November 16, 1934 in Cottonwood, AZ. The daughter of Italian immigrants, Nina was raised in Jerome. Her parents instilled in her their great love of this country, a strong work ethic and a devout faith. Nina graduated from Jerome High School in 1953 and over the years kept in touch with many of her classmates. She attended class reunions and was a member of the \u0027J\u0027 Club which still meets for lunch monthly. In 1954, she married Pat Joseph Antonelli and they moved to Detroit, Michigan. There Pat served as a police officer and Nina was a dedicated wife and mother raising three sons. In 1977 Nina and Pat retired and returned to the Verde Valley so that they would be nearer to her Mother. Upon returning to the area, Nina worked at the Jerome Historic State Park. Her knowledge of Jerome\u0027s history and her own Jerome experiences made her a valuble asset to their staff. Nina often spoke with great fondness of her childhood and the people that she knew growing up in the tough and tumble town of Jerome. Nina was a devout member of the Catholic Church. She received all of the Church\u0027s sacraments; baptism, first communion, confirmation, and marriage at the Holy Family Church in Jerome. When she returned to the Verde Valley, Holy Family had been closed, and Nina became a member of St. Cecilia\u0027s Mission Church in Clarkdale. Church members will long remember her dedication to the church and to Father Hurley. She tended to the altar at daily mass, assisted Father Hurley whenever she could, and sang in the St. Cecilia Choir. Nina was quiet, unassuming, always cheerful and non-judgemental. Her family and friends will always remember her wonderful smile, the sparkle in her eyes and her genuine warmth and sincerity that emanated from her very soul. Nina was proud of her husband, the three boys that they raised and the honorable men that they grew to be. She held a special place in her heart for her daughters-in-law and loved each one dearly. Nina is survived by her husband of 53 years, Pat Joseph Antonelli, her three sons and their wives: Ron and Marion Antonelli of Prescott; Rick and Anna Antonelli of Illinois; Ray and Cindy Antonelli of Arkansas; a niece and a nephew; three step-grandchildren and five great step-grandchildren. She also left behind two very special pets Carlyle the cat and Jake, a boston terrier. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Marian Wombacher. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 14th at Immaculate Conception Church in Cottonwood. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 9:00 AM, followed by Mass at 9:30 AM inurnment will be at All Souls Cemetery. At Nina\u0027s request, please make donations in her memory to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund 700 Bill Grey Road, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com