Lula Nora Fortino, age 92 of Big Rapids, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2009. She was born December 13, 1916 in Iliff, Colorado to Camel and Rose (Khoury) Abood. Lula was one of eight children. She spent most of her growing up years in Kearney, Nebraska and was a 1935 graduate of Kearney High School. Lula married James P. Fortino on July 16, 1941 in Lansing. They moved to Big Rapids in 1965 to make their home. Lula worked for the Big Rapids school system in food service and also assisted her husband at their business, the Casa Nova Restaurant and Bowling Alley, for many years. Lula was an avid bowler; she loved the sport and at one time bowled 4 nights a week. One highlight of Lu's bowling career was bowling with Earl Anthony who was a Hall of Fame pro-bowler. During retirement Lula enjoyed playing bingo, going to the Casino and taking trips with the Mecosta County Senior Center where she was very active and well known. Lula was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the American Legion Post #98 Ladies Auxiliary and the Elks Lodge Daisy Chain all of Big Rapids. She is survived by 2 sons; James Fortino and his wife Jan of Big Rapids, Michael Fortino and his wife Kelly of Grayling; 6 grandchildren; 2 brothers, Nick (Kay) Abood of Culver City, CA, George Abood of Waco, TX; 2 sisters, Dorothy Bettar of LaPalma, CA, Jeanette Bergt of Amherst, NE and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Lula was preceded in death by her husband, James Fortino on January 25, 1985; a daughter, Marilyn Marsh on October 4, 1996; 2 brothers, Roy and Phil Abood and a sister, Emma Kalush. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 7th at St. Paul's Campus Parish in Big Rapids with celebrant Father Lam T. Le and con-celebrant Father Joe Fix. The family will greet friends on Tuesday at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with at scripture service at 7:30 p.m. that evening. The family will also greet friends one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Lula's name may be made to the Mecosta County Senior Center.