Silena Kathryn “Si” Fortino

Age 105, passed away on August 24, 2025.  Born in Alma, MI on June 7, 1920, to Floyd and Ella Wilkinson Luchini.  She was preceded in death by her husband Silvio Paul Fortino, MD.  Surviving are:  son Stephen (Polly) Fortino, and Kathryn (Dr. Ronald) Barrette; grandchildren, Anne Elizabeth and Lindsey Diane Fortino, Lauren Barrette (Russell) Gambrell and Amanda Barrette (Dr. Robert) Collins; and very special niece Nancy Fortino (Eric) Bates.  Silena earned an AB Degree from Alma College, and taught school in Milwaukee and Ionia, MI.  She was a Past President and Honorary Member of the Sparrow Auxiliary, and an Honorary Member of the Sparrow Guild.  She served as President of the Ingham County Medical Auxiliary (Alliance).  A former member of the National Farm and Garden Association; a Past President of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Women, and served on the Vestry.  She was a member of St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church, Williamston, MI, and served on the Altar Guild.  A member of the Metropolitan Opera Guild and a Life Member of the East Lansing Library.  Si enjoyed many hobbies including dancing ballet point in high school and watching old classic movies and operas.  She loved entertaining both in her home and lake house.  She belonged to a card group called “The Twitts”, which she thoroughly enjoyed.  Mother was a warm and caring person.  She took excellent care and devotion to her husband, the love of her life, and enjoyed traveling with him to both domestic and international places.  She will be remembered as a friend who enjoyed socializing, greeting and meeting new people with a cheerful spirit.  A special thank you to the staff and caregivers of Burcham Hills for their kindness, helpfulness, and caring while she resided there.  The services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind, or to St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church in Williamston.