Albina Aguzzi Barbati

Albina "Bena" Aguzzi Barbati, 95, of Cleveland, MS, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2017, at Walter B. Crook Nursing Home in Ruleville, MS. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2017 at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Cleveland, MS. A Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2017, at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church. A second visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church with Father Kent Bowlds officiating. Interment will be in Delta Heights Memorial Gardens.
Bena, as she was lovingly called by her family and friends, was born on January 13, 1922 to Ned Julius Aguzzi and Ersilia Fioranelli Aguzzi. She graduated from Cleveland High School and as a young woman, she and lifelong friends rode a train to California where Bena worked in a factory making bags for the Army during World War II. When she returned home she married Mario Barbati on July 3, 1949. They had 3 children: Celia, Monty, and Julie.
Bena was a selfless, humble, strong person who spread the love of God gracefully through her actions. She enjoyed a very deep faith in God and a particular devotion to Mary, the Blessed Mother, and prayed her rosary daily. She was a virtuous woman who set an example for all of us by her deeds, her loving nature and sweet disposition, and by living her Catholic faith every day. Bena was an active volunteer at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church where she had been a member since birth.
Friends and loved ones remember Bena as an excellent cook who loved to cook for her family and friends. She made everyone feel welcome who came to her home. For many years, Bena cooked breakfast after Sunday Mass for a large gathering of family and friends. Father Haddican, one of the priests during this time, called this gathering "BB's Breakfast Bar." Bena was well known for her popcorn balls at Halloween which she had been making for over 50 years and for her Christmas candy. Over the years, many a good time was had by family and friends who gathered around Bena's table for good food and fellowship. Her family and friends will miss her loving presence more than can be described in words.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mario Barbati; brother, Victor J. Aguzzi; and stepmother, Virginia Orizetti Aguzzi.
She leaves behind her children Celia Barbati Morgan (Roger), Monty Barbati, Julie Barbati Smith (Jimmy); grandchildren, Amy Morgan Green (Russell), Steven Barbati (Lindsey), Gary Barbati (Katy), Spencer and Alex Smith; great grandchildren, Morgan and Mary Green; brother, Joe Aguzzi; and sisters, Catherine Aguzzi Rice and Mary Catherine Aguzzi Hickson (Dick); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be her nephews, John Aguzzi, Ronald Aguzzi, Jo Jo Aguzzi, Richard Aguzzi, and Victor Aguzzi; and grandsons, Steven Barbati, Gary Barbati, and Spencer Smith.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Cleveland, MS or the Alzheimer's Association.

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 am - 11:00 am Friday, September 15, 2017
Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Visitation

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, September 15, 2017
Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Rosary

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, September 15, 2017
Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Visitation

9:00 am - 10:00 am Saturday, September 16, 2017
Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Interment

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Saturday, September 16, 2017
Delta Heights Memorial Garden Cemetery Hwy 8 Cleveland, Mississippi, United States