Susan Fanale, who passed away in April. The family is now having a benefit for funeral expenses. Submitted photo

Susan Fanale was born on Jan. 21, 1957, and passed away on April 16, 2023.

She married her high school sweetheart, Bryan Fanale, who passed away in 2017. Together they had three children, who lost both of their parents six years apart. Now, the family is left having to pay the large funeral expenses.

“My mother was amazing,” Angela Anelli, one of the couple’s three daughters, said. “She loved unconditionally, and was always there when someone needed her.”

Anelli and her family are having a benefit to pay off of the remainder of the funeral expenses, following her mother’s funeral. The benefit is Saturday, July 8 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Swamp — 250 Jones and Gifford Avenue in Jamestown.

“We are throwing the benefit because my mom had a small life insurance plan, and it was not enough for all of the funeral expenses,” Anelli said. “I have been working three jobs to pay for it, and my friends suggested throwing the benefit. Funerals are expensive and it has been overwhelming.”

If someone is looking to donate but unable to make it on the day, donations can be sent to The Swamp, dropped off there, or sent to Anelli via Cash App.

At the benefit itself, Anelli said people can expect food, a basket raffle which Anelli said includes donations, gift cards, and a “lottery apron”. It is a typical Chinese Auction. Additionally, as a Chinese Auction, if someone is not available to stay the entire time, Anelli said there is an option to come and leave before the raffle drawing.

“I know there are a lot of things going on, so you do not have to be there for the drawing,” Anelli said. “I will call the winner and make arrangements to come and get the basket. You can just come and put your name in and leave.”

Anelli and her family appreciates the support they have gotten so far. She reminded everyone to cherish the time they have with their parents.

“Cherish the time you have with your parents, because when they’re gone you can’t get them back,” Anelli said. “I lost both of my parents exactly six years apart, and it has been very overwhelming.”