Margaret Hildreth

MONROE — Ms. Margaret LuDonnie Harper Hildreth, age 79, of Monroe, passed away on Wednesday (September 16, 2009) at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

A funeral service to celebrate the Life of Ms. Hildreth will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday (September 19, 2009) at the Living Word Worship Center, officiated by Pastor R.D. Vaught.

Interment will follow at Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Monroe.

Ms. Hildreth was born in Dillon County, South Carolina, on April 11, 1930, a daughter of the late Charlie Worth Harper and Nellie Elizabeth Grant Harper.

She was a homemaker and loving mother.

She was preceded in death by her son, Hampton Edward Hildreth Jr., and a granddaughter, Traci Lynne Deese; and a sister, Helen Elizabeth Blackmon.

Survivors include four daughters, Tina Hildreth of Monroe, Tonya Hildreth Long and husband Rick Long of Monroe, Margaret Hildreth Deese and husband Kirby Deese of Peachland, and Linda Lou Hildreth Austin of Wingate; a son, Worth Hampton Hildreth of Indian Trail.

There are six grandchildren, Hannah Brooke Long of Monroe, Ryan Carlisle Long of Monroe, Angie Y. Jones and fiance Kevin C. Beach of Wingate, Anna M. Austin of Wingate, Adam Y. Austin of Wingate, Kevin W. Deese and girlfriend Megan Rushing of Peachland; and a brother C.W. (Bo) Harper Jr. and wife Carlee Harper of Lumberton.

The family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday (September 18,2009) at Davis Funeral Home in Monroe, 1003 East Franklin Street.

Davis Funeral Service and Cremation Service is serving the family of Ms. Hildreth. An online guest register book is available at www.davisfuneralservice.com.

PAID OBITUARY

Eileen Royster

CHARLOTTE — Eileen “Nana” F. Royster, 90, died Wednesday (Sept. 16, 2009) at home.

Arrangements will be announced by Heritage Funeral Home of Weddington.

George Siragusa

MONROE — Mr. George J. Siragusa, age 77, of Monroe, died on September 16, 2009 at Carolinas Medical Center. He was born on October 9, 1931, in Buffalo, New York to Sylvester and Jane Siragusa. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 39 years, Evelyn Frew Siragusa, with whom he had three sons, Joseph (Susan) Siragusa, of Charlotte, Paul (Tammy) of Rochester, N.Y., and Michael (Jen) of Rochester, N.Y. George was cherished by his nine grandchildren, Christy and Ryan of Rochester, N.Y., Joseph Jr., Julie, Rachel and Nick of Charlotte, N.C., Derrick (Jamie) of Arizona, Margaret (Ryan) Smith of Jacksonville, N.C., and Ashley of Sarasota, Fla.; and one great-granddaughter, Baylie of Sarasota, Fla. George also shared a beautiful marriage of 11 years with his second wife, Darothy Alexander Siragusa, before she went to be with the Lord this past January. George twice demonstrated what true love in action was as he embraced the opportunity to live out his vows of “in sickness and in health” in his life. He lovingly cared for both of his wives throughout lengthy illnesses. He is also survived by his sister Jane (Pete) Acara of Arizona, as well as very special nieces and nephews.

George was a kind and loyal man who never met a stranger. He found joy in even the simplest of things — whether it was a beautiful piece of fresh fruit or the refreshment of a cold glass of ice water after a walk outside. He was active in his church, Stallings United Methodist Church, and was usually the “point man” when it came to arranging fellowship outings after church. He was very active for many years in their OFIA group and had a special “brotherhood” with his wonderful card buddies. He was a man who valued his heritage, family and tradition.

George was a man who wore many different hats in his lifetime. In addition to being a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle he was also a fireman, truck driver, fix-it man and a great Italian cook. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and then joined the Erie County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Department, where he retired as a lieutenant after 31 years of service and before moving with his family to North Carolina.

The family would like to extend their thanks to all of George’s doctors, nurses and caretakers and to all of his friends who continued to pray for George and his family throughout his illness.

Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2009, at Stallings United Methodist Church. A celebration of life service will begin at the church immediately following visitation at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Bart Milleson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stallings United Methodist Church, 1115 Stallings Road, Stallings, NC 28104.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mem.com. Arrangements by McEwen – Mint Hill Chapel.

PAID OBITUARY