Mina Ann Sonfilippo Bailey, born January 28, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan, to the late James and Erma Sonfilippo, passed away peacefully on March 3rd after a valiant battle with systemic scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. She fought courageously over the past 16 months and was 77 years young, surrounded by love and family in her final days.
Mina grew up in Lansing, Michigan alongside her sisters, the late Nancy Walker (Lee) and Teresa Sonfilippo Wilcox (Allan). For the past 28 years, Mina shared a loving partnership with her significant other, Richard Porambo.
A devoted mother, stepmother, and grandmother (Nani), she raised two daughters: Wendi McAnn (Robert) and Kelli Colosky (Robert, deceased). She was blessed with four granddaughters—Khala Cochran (Ben), Madison Kallivrousis (Costa), Taylor Colosky (Ryan Bratcher) and Hanna McAnn (John DeWolfe)—and six great-grandchildren: Greyson, Jamison, Boone, Riot, Elliana, and Brooks, who brought her endless joy. Her 5 nieces were very special to her: Micki, Dani, Alli, Jimi (deceased) and Niki. She was a loving stepmother to her stepchildren Jason Bailey, and Loren, Richele, Austin, & Adam Porambo.
Mina poured her heart into her community, dedicating many years to fundraising for the Palm Harbor Eagles Women’s Auxiliary, where she proudly served as president for several terms. Her true passion, however, bloomed over the last 30+ years in her extraordinary hobby: exotic birds. She cared for more than 100 of these beautiful creatures with unwavering devotion, alongside her beloved cats, creating a lively, feathered home full of color and song.
Though she dreamed of visiting her grandparents’ homeland in Messina, Italy—a wish she held close to her heart—Mina will now make that journey in spirit, as her ashes will be sprinkled there.
Mina will be remembered for her generous spirit, fierce love for her family, resilience in the face of hardship, and the warmth she brought to every room. Her light, laughter, and love for life will live on in all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Hudson, Florida (http://flabirdsanctuary.org) or the Scleroderma Foundation (http://scleroderma.org/donate), in honor of her passions and her brave fight.
Mina’s legacy of love, kindness, and courage will forever guide her family. She is deeply missed and will remain in our hearts always.
With love,
Her Family
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Once details are finalized they will be posted.
Doreen Stansfield
March 7, 2026, 10:24 pm
Sending you and your family our prayers. Very young so sorry for your loss! She can now rest! The disease she had was horrible, I lost my grandmother on my dad’s side to it.
LAURA SAGER
March 7, 2026, 10:32 pm
Your smile & laughter will be missed.
Shelly Speers Hoshield
March 7, 2026, 11:09 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss, I have a lot of good childhood memories with Mina, RIP Mina!
sarah c𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚔
March 7, 2026, 11:10 pm
Mina Bird i have know you seen i was a kid lived next story to you and dan and Jason Baily oh can’t for get Rip. I have loved you like family. With my dad and mom (Wyane and Debbie Clark) partying and playing jokes on each other riding quads at spartan speedway listening to Dan falling down the starts lol . When I got married you couldn’t make it instead you welcomed me and my ex-husband into your home. My two girls loved coming and visiting you and the many many birds lol You always made time to get together when you came back to Mason. You will be deeply missed from The Clark Family by the way say hi to my dad and he will be waiting for you with a McMasters.
Cindy Williams
March 7, 2026, 11:15 pm
I could go on for hours she was such a good friend and person. Our trip to Atlantic City no one thought we would go on To afternoons with the girls. Those were the best of times. To story of kids and our men. I will miss her more than anyone will know.so glad I moved to Florida so we had this time together my prayers goes out to her family and Rick I am just a call away love you all.
Marci Sutherland
March 8, 2026, 12:31 am
Loved Mina. Considered her a friend. My heartfelt condolences to her family, and all those who loved her.
Melissa Bifulco
March 8, 2026, 12:55 am
May you now rest in peace my beautiful forever friend. Miss Mina, you were my son’s first preschool teacher and first caregiver to him other than family. I learned so much from you over 34 years ago when I was your assistant in that 2 year old classroom. You helped me thru the worst times of my life and the good times. The stories I could tell. You introduced me to my Mark.
Tell him I’m doing okay.
Rest in peace now, no more suffering. Give em all hell up there in heaven. I love you and I will miss you, my forever, longest friend. ❤️
Debbie Clark
March 10, 2026, 6:11 am
Mina bird was a one and only true friend that called it like it was. So many fond memories that I will cherish forever. I will miss you my friend so very much just be sure to give Wayne big hugs from me. I miss you now just rest and guide us. Love you always bestie
Sandy Danby Dunham
March 12, 2026, 5:00 am
Mina a classmate and friend. She was always very kind and full of life. God bless and may the angels welcome you to paradise
Suzanne Sarris
March 13, 2026, 11:57 am
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my very good friend. I wish I could have been there for you to help you through the last months of your life. I will cherish our last phone call and my knowledge that there will be no
More is hard to believe. Fly high my dear friend and know you were loved and appreciated. Rest in eternal peace.
Mary Chmielewicz
May 24, 2026, 3:38 pm
Wendi and Kelli, I am so sorry for your loss. As I was doing some internet sleuthing for my family tree project, I just came across Mina’s obituary. Her love of birds and cats was so touching. (I love the same!)
Your mom sounded like a wonderful person. I send my sincere condolences to you and the rest of her extended family.