Obituary of Elia D'Altorio

Elia D'Altorio--wife, mother, grandmother--died January 4, 2012 peacefully in her sleep. Born November 4, 1917 in Rivisondoli, Abruzzi, Italy, Elia immigrated to Akron, Ohio, where she made a lifelong home. She was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist and St. Paul Catholic Churches. Preceding her on the celestial highway are her parents, Luigina and Giulio Spagnuolo; her husband, Frank; her daughter, Genevieve; and her brothers, Ottavio and Febo. Family here to remember her includes her son, James; her brother, Andrew; her grandchildren, Darren, David and Elesia; her daughter-in-law, Darlene; and many cousins, nieces and nephew. Mom believed strongly in her faith, her home and her family. Sunday dinners, family gatherings and family loyalty were most important. Her greatest joy and pride was being involved in her grandchildren's lives from the day they were born until the present, more than 20 years later. Thank you to her nieces, Renee (Fred) Barnes, Janet (Barry) Crump, and Dianne (Russ) Swartz for their thoughtfulness, especially Dianne, who visited Mom every Sunday; to her daughter-in-law, Darlene D'Altorio-Jones for aiding in her rehab and care, making it as stress-free as possible, and to her goddaughter, Toni Schwartz, who lives in California, for checking on her and sending gifts. Also, to her cousin, Mary DiDonato who provided her medical and personal needs for many years; to her care giver, Berthine Moore, for the compassion and attention she gave to her "little buddy", and to Odyssey Hospice for their care in her final days. Mom led a life of quiet dignity and independence. Her body may be gone, but her spirit lives.