Emily Abbondi Malisani

Born: March 3 1929

Emily Abbondi

Married to Victor Malisani Sept. 1954


Emily enjoyed nothing more than the simple pleasure of caring for her family and friends in the only way she knew how—with love and kindness. All who knew Emily and had the enjoyment of sitting at her table to eat a fine Italian meal felt the warmth and comfort of the Malisani home.

Emily made lasting friends wherever she made her home, and had a life full of happiness. From typing war documents to helping in the family Italian store, she moved gracefully into married life when she met Vic. Emily worked at Lowrey School in Dearborn as a lunchtime supervisor while raising 4 children in the home her husband built on Oakman Blvd. Later retiring with Vic to their home in West Dearborn.

Emily established a new life in Novi, to be closer to family, after the passing of her husband Vic in 2000. She found strength in the loving memories of her husband and took on both roles for her family. It amazed others that such a small woman could have such a large heart. She taught her family how to overcome obstacles and always look for the good in any situation.

She never had a driver's license but never found the need for one because of her love for walking. She was known for her daily walks throughout the community, stopping to chat and make friends throughout her neighborhood.

She always made a lasting impression. Her first date with her future husband to a Red Wing's game extended to her undying love for the team. She loved Jimmy Howard as if he were one of her own. After Howard's wife had a baby, she would explain away a bad game by saying," He probably didn't get much sleep because of the baby."

She made them laugh constantly that such a petite lady could cheer on a fight so loud. The only thing that made her eyes light up more was dessert. She never found herself in short supply, constantly stocking her home and fridge with sweets of all kinds. She lived by a motto of "there is always room for cake." There aren't enough words in the world to even scratch the surface of how incredible this woman was. If you knew Emily, you are aware of what a rare and beautiful soul she had.

Emily, whose last wish was for us all to be happy, will now join her beloved husband, Vic, plus the family and friends who have gone before; she will be missed deeply.

Emily, a loving mother and Nonna to:

Angela Ward (Spouse Michael, Son: Danny; Daughter: Emilia)

Joanne Malisani (Spouse Michael MacLauchlan, Son: Ian)

Andrea Simon (Spouse: Mark, Son: Chris; Daughters: Kiley and Sadie)

Mark Malisani (Spouse: Kelly)

Loving Aunt to: Pamela Basone Stevens and Patricia Chesky.

Funeral Mass,  Saturday 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 22430 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, 48124.

Gathering at church 10:30 a.m. Visitation Friday 4-9 p.m. at the Dearborn chapel of the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home,

22546 Michigan Ave. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's.