NEW CARLISLE -
Matilda M. "Til" Fershin, 90, died Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Hamilton Grove Retirement Community. The South Bend native was born November 26, 1923 to Gesido & Filomena (Carravaggio) Merlo. On May 17, 1941, she married Fred R. Fershin, who preceded her in death on February 3, 2014 after 72 years of marriage. A caring & compassionate person who always thought of others first, Til was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church and enjoyed art, cooking & camping. An avid seamstress, she also enjoyed knitting hats for the Christ Child Society. In addition to her husband, Matilda was also preceded in death by her son Robert and sisters, Lillian Muia, Mary Ellen "Edna" Stante and Mary Bonnell. Til is survived by her children, Diane Williams of South Bend; James (Pamela) Fershin of Granger; Kenneth (Pamela Calvano) Fershin of St. Joseph, MI; Joi (John) Beck of Midlothian, VA; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. The Mass of Christian Resurrection will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave. with Rev. Msgr. Bruce Piechocki presiding. Friends may call one hour prior in the church. Interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Arrangements through Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy. The family''s preferred memorial is the Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct, South Bend, IN 46637 or at www.centerforhospice.org.

"An Angel lived among us, A gift from God above. She showered us with kindness, And shared with us her love. She cherished every moment, With the man who was her life; Walking hand in hand together, Facing life with all its strife. She loved her children dearly, Each one a different way. Nestled close within her heart, Though now she''s far away. She''s gone to live with Jesus, But she''s here with us today; Smiling down on every one of us, And telling us that she''s OK."