Submitted by: Dan Rich

Lillian M. Muia

Sept. 4, 1916 - Oct. 10, 2005

South Bend Tribune 10/12/2005

Lillian M. Muia, 89, of Cedar Cove Court, Granger, IN, passed away Monday, October 10, 2005, at 5:00 a.m. in Hospice House of St. Joseph County. Lillian had lived at Southfield Village for 3 1/2 years prior to her death. Lillian was born on September 4, 1916, in Salzburg, PA, to the late Gesido and Donata (Sisti) Merlo.

As Lillian Merlo, she married Eugene Muia on October 11, 1948, in South Bend, IN. Eugene died on October 31, 1984. Lillian is survived by a son, Carl (Pat) Muia of North Liberty, IN; and three daughters, Cathy (Tom) Eader of Granger, IN, Michelle (Joe) Germano of Mishawaka, IN, and Melita (Craig) Kost of Carol Stream, IL.

Lillian was a loving grandmother to 10 grandchildren, Scott (Shawn) Smith, Nick Smith, Liz (Josh) Frost, Sarah (Adam) Caron, Tony, Joey and Michael Germano, and Lauren, Adam and Caitlin Kost. Lillian was also a great-grandmother to one great-grandson, Maxwell Smith.

Lillian is also survived by two sisters, Matilda (Fred) Fershin and Mary Bonnell of Mishawaka, Ind. Lillian was preceded in death by another sister, Mary Ellen, who died on September 15, 2005.

Lillian's working career began at Ball Band in Mishawaka. Later she and her husband Eugene owned and operated Gene's Italian grocery store in South Bend. The last business was Orange Julius at Scottsdale Mall in South Bend.

Friends may call on Thursday, October 13, 2005, from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main St., where a Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be at Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Friday, October 14, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Father Eldon Miller is officiating. Christian entombment will be at Highland Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorial contributions be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.