ANGELINA MICKELENA PIA MASTROMATTEO INSALACO,

known to her family and friends as Mema, passed away early Monday evening April 6, 2020. She had just celebrated her 91st birthday on April 1. Mema’s devotion to her Catholic Faith makes it a blessing that she passed during Holy Week.

She is survived by children, Vincent (Sally-deceased) Insalaco II of North Little Rock, Arkansas, James (Barbara) Insalaco of Blairsville, Georgia, Maryann Insalaco of Tallahassee, Florida, and Steven (Judy) Insalaco of Palm Harbor, Florida; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Eric) Insalaco Latona of San Jose, California, Vincent (Kathie) Insalaco III of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Cheryl (Morgan) Insalaco Curry of Columbia, South Carolina, Jamie (Kelli) Insalaco of Bogota, New Jersey, Michael (Kristina) Glendenning of Tallahassee, Florida, and Stephanie Insalaco of Coral Springs, Florida; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Mary Angelina, Isabella, Audrey, Avyanna, Emily, Bethany, Marcelo, and a host of nieces and nephews. Mema is preceded in death by her husband, (Oresti) Horace of 54 years; son, Michael Phillip Insalaco; parents, Michele and Italia Mastromatteo; brother, Phillip; and sisters, Marianna, Caroline, Lucia, and Teresa.

Mema’s family immigrated from southern Italy to New York City where she was born in 1929. She was married in 1949 and had five children. The family moved to Florida in the 1960s where Mema worked and later retired from the accounting department at the University of Florida in Gainesville. After her husband passed, she came to live with her son, Vincent, in 2005. She’s remained in Arkansas ever since.

She was known for her passion in her Catholic Faith, devotion to her family, love of cooking and a variety of hobbies. It is often said that it takes a village- with Mema, that is very true. Vincent and family would like to thank, with love- Deborah Young and Thom Carney, Gayla and Dennis Jungmeyer, John and Donna Dunn, Judy Tenenbaum and Rick Fleetwood, and all the folks at Sherwood Nursing and Rehab.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, there will only be a private graveside service at Rest Hills Memorial Park. However, the family will have a Celebration of Life later in the year, complete with Mema’s famous recipes.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Angelina Insalaco Charitable Fund at the Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. Online obituary: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.