Rooney Family Tree

Amelia Chamberlain, 95, recently of Grand Rapids, formerly of Taconite, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Grand Rapids.

She was born in Hibbing on March 31, 1918, the youngest of six children born to James and Rosa (Bonan) Pianfetti. Amelia graduated from Hibbing High School in 1936 and the Registered Nursing (RN) Program in Hibbing. She worked as an RN in both Hibbing and Grand Rapids.

While working in Hibbing, she met Martin "Mike" Chamberlain. They were united in marriage on Feb. 9, 1946, in Hibbing, making their home in Taconite. Amelia also taught for many years in the LPN Program at Itasca Community College.

She was active at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Taconite where she played organ and directed the choir. She later joined Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Coleraine where she was a member of the mission group.

She was active in the Carmelites, Taconite Elderberries and the Red Hat Society. Amelia also enjoyed crafts, which included ceramics, knitting and crocheting. She loved to entertain family and friends at the cabin.

She is survived by six children: Dennis (Dolores) Chamberlain of Watsonville, Calif., Mary Ann (Bob) Jens of St. Paul, Paul (Rita) Chamberla in of Eagan, Minn., Jean (Dennis) Jennings of Libertyville, Ill., Jerome (Pam) Chamberlain of New Ulm, Minn., and Mark (Jane) Chamberlain of Bovey; 11 grandchildren: Martin, Patrick, Matt, Staci, Michael, Jessica, Sam, Meghan, Aaron, Max and Mariel; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike, in 2008; parents; siblings: Simon Pianfetti, Helen Ventrucci, Sister Viola Pianfetti of the Order of St. Benedict, Fred Pianfetti and Rose Winn; grandsons, Bobby Jens and Jonathan Chamberlain and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Chamberlain.

Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Coleraine.