ONEONTA - Madeline Sommer, beloved wife of 61 years to James, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 after a lengthy illness.

Madeline, "Lana", was born May 1st, 1922 in Oneonta to Nicola (Voso) Rosher and Maria Michelena (Pizza) Rosher. Her parents immigrated to the United States in 1907 from Rutino, Italy in the province of Salerno, region of Campania. Her Italian heritage was a source of great pride and as she was known to say often "of course you know I'm Italian!"

Madeline found the love of her life in her husband Jim, and they were married on October 26th, 1946. Jim cared for her with great courage, love and devotion throughout their lives. Madeline found her greatest joy in her children and grandchildren; Annie (Bob) Jorgenson and children, Kyle and Hayley, of Santa Cruz CA. Mary (Rick) Tingley and children, Kathryn (Salata) Dejong and husband, Scott, and Christopher Tingley of Phoenix, AZ., James (Shirley) Sommer and children, Paul & John Sommer of Tacoma Washington.

Madeline and Jim traveled often to see their families in the west, and two times to Germany, where Jim and Shirley were stationed in the Air Force. Not bad for a little girl who grew up on Liberty Street!

In earlier years, Madeline was active in the St. Mary's Catholic Church, the VFW, the Garden Club and in local choirs. Her interests were as varied as her talents as an accomplished seamstress, which also included knitting, crafts, ceramics, water colors, hooked rugs and the lost art of tatting. Her favorite past time was dancing away the hours with Jim, to the sounds of local artist Jack Stahl.

Madeline is predeceased by her mother and father, brothers Michael, Frank (Chico), Tony, Nicholas and her sister Barbara. In addition to her husband Jim, she is survived by her "baby brother" John and several nieces nephews and cousins of the Pizza and Sommer families, as well as Pizza and Guidice cousins in Rutino Italy and throughout the United States.

The family wishes to thank so many friends who supported them during this long good-bye, and in particular the incredible staff at the Oneonta Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center. Beth, Ruth, John and so many LPN's, RNs, CNA's and activities staff were a source of great comfort to their "Maddy" and our family.

Calling hours will be held at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home in Oneonta on Monday, January 14, 2008 starting at 10 a.m., with a recitation of the Rosary at 10:45 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., with the Rev. John Burns, officiating.

Interment will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Oneonta Nursing Home Activities Fund, 330 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.

On line condolences may be made at www.lhpfuneralhome.com

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, is serving the family.