Amelia A. Archer

Amelia Ann Archer, 92, of McPherson, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at The Cedars in McPherson. Always innovative, Amelia enjoyed holistic and organic foods and would combine these new elements into her native Mediterranean cuisine to serve to family and friends.

Amelia was the oldest of her siblings and as such, she was fiercely protective and always the outspoken leader of her Italian clan. Amelia was born on January 16, 1924, the daughter of Francisco and Santa (Taglieri) Picariello. She was christened “Emelia Ann” but her name was later changed to “Amelia” by her first grade teacher.

She graduated from high school just prior to World War II and entered the world of service manufacturing, where she would meet her future husband and love of her life, Vincent Joseph Archer. They were married on July 3, 1949. He preceded her in death on November 3, 1986.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church and Italian-American Club, both of Beverly, MA. She also loved theatre and film and became an active member of the community theatre, where she both performed and provided gourmet meals for the cast and crew.

Survivors include: her son, Richard C. Archer of Beaufort, SC; daughter, Janet Beaudoin of Dataw, SC; former daughter-in-law, Jill Bremyer of McPherson, KS; brother, Luigi “Louie” Picariello of Beverly, MA; sister, Margaret Conley of Peabody, MA; seven grandchildren, Abbey Rierson (Cody), Samuel Archer, Allie Archer, Anna Archer, Max Archer, Daniel Beaudoin, and Ann Lemmon (Troy); five great-grandchildren, Harper, Vivi, & Jolie Rierson and Roryanna & Madasin Farrow.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Francisco and Santa Picariello; husband, Vincent Archer; brothers, Sabarto “Suby” and Francisco “Franky” Picariello; and sister, Mary Pietrini.

A private service will take place at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Cemetery in Beverly, MA at a later date and time to be determined.

Memorial donations may be given to The Cedars or Hospice of Reno County in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Amelia A. Archer please visit our Sympathy Store.