Laurine Mary Conigliaro

Laurine Mary (Bratke) Conigliaro Laurine (“Laurie”) Conigliaro, 84, of Macomb Township, Michigan, passed away on December 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born to Mary Ann and Anthony Bratke, Laurie lived a life centered on caring for others. Laurie graduated from nurses training in 1962 and devoted 44 years to nursing, spending most of her career in the ICU, where her compassion and skill touched countless lives. After retiring from nursing, she fulfilled her “dream job” working in the women’s department at Hudson’s department store (now Macy’s). She often joked that retail was more rewarding than nursing. She would reflect that “people will thank you for finding them a dress, but not for saving their life.” In retirement, Laurie devoted her time as a volunteer to the St. Paul of Tarsus Food Pantry, where she met dear friends, shared laughter and camaraderie. She considered the Food Pantry volunteer position to be her most important contribution to her community. It is obvious that her true purpose in life was to be a caregiver to family, friends and anyone that needed help. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carmen, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage, and her brother, Jerry Bratke. She is survived by her loving daughters, Cathleen (Dan) Lincoln and Caroline (Danny) Kunimura; her cherished grandsons Patrick and Kevin Lincoln; her brother, Tom (Mary Elizabeth) Bratke; her sister Margie (Tony) Passalacqua; her sister-in-law, Mary Jane Bratke and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and her warmth and generosity touched everyone who knew her. She was a voracious reader and most recently described reading transcripts from Pope Leo. Her favorite passage from Pope Leo directs us to see all immigrants as God’s children (not problems) and to build bridges (not walls). At the end of life, Laurie’s deep faith in god instilled a sense of joy and peace about reuniting with her beloved Carmen. Without fear, Laurie transitioned to heaven with a deep sense of calm. Laurie will be remembered for her strength, fierce independence, quick witted humor, and especially her style. A favorite saying of Laurie’s was “Never let others see you sweat. Go in like it’s the best day of your life. Develop a thick skin and don’t be caught without makeup, even going to the mailbox!” Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21st from 1pm – 7pm at the Wasik Funeral Home at 49150 Schoenherr Road (n. of 22 Mile Rd.) in Shelby Township. Laurie will lie instate Monday, December 22nd at 9:30 am until 10am funeral mass at St. Paul of Tarsus Catholic Church at 41300 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township. Interment will take place following the Funeral Mass at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. Laurie asked that memorial contributions be made to the St. Paul of Tarsus Food Pantry, or the charity of your choice. The Food Pantry accepts online donations at www.spotcatholic.org.

Laurine Mary Conigliaro

October 22, 1941 - December 14, 2025