Mrs. Elma Viola Suriano, age 89 of Fernandina Beach passed away on Thursday afternoon, September 7, 2017 at Quality Health care of Fernandina Beach.

Born in Automba, MN, she was the last living of five children born to the late Henry and Edna Serafina Krigsholm Freeman. At the age of 21, she married a young sailor, Joseph Suriano. Her husband left the Navy and joined the Coast Guard. One of his assignments brought the family to Fernandina where he worked as the Chief Engineer at the Amelia Island Lighthouse. They would later receive orders to Charleston, SC and Cape May, NJ from where Mr. Suriano retired. The Suriano family returned to Fernandina Beach where her husband served as the City of Fernandina�s Dock Master and most notably as a Vocational Counselor at the High School.

Mrs. Suriano raised their children and supported their school activities; whether it be marching band practice, band fund raising events, or cheering for their sports teams. She worked from her home as a Seamstress; making many brides happy on their special day. As an accomplished Seamstress, she sewed wedding dresses, bride�s maid�s dresses, prom dresses and school majorette and cheerleader uniforms. Her sewing lasted until in her 80s when she gave up doing alterations.

Mrs. Suriano enjoyed traveling and was a member of Destinations Unlimited. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed supporting her children�s sports endeavors.

Her husband, Joe Suriano, passed away in 1998.

She leaves behind, their children, Darlene A. Morris (Mark), Fernandina Beach, FL, Deborah J. Hatton (James), Kingsland, GA, Donna L. Rowland (Buddy), Fernandina Beach, FL, Donald J. Suriano (Linda), Mandarin, FL, five grandchildren, Brent Donald Suriano, April Michelle Hatton Brooks, Brock Suriano, Debra Hatton Tomko, Kyle Lee Rowland, great grandchildren, Colton James Tomko, Tucker Alan Rowland, Haley Anna Brooks, Whitmore Sterling Suriano, Marlei Ashton Suriano, Laila Isabaella Suriano and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Friday, September 15, 2017 from the graveside in Bosque Bello Cemetery with Reverend Jackie Hayes, officiating.

Mrs. Suriano will be laid to rest beside her husband.