Obituary: Decaro, Elvira I. “Vera”
“Vera” August 11, 1922 - July 26, 2013 Our Beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother passed to her Eternal Reward surrounded by her family.
Elvira was born August 11, 1922 to Giuseppe and Emilia Via in Spokane, Washington.
Our mother attended St. Patrick Grade School, Rogers High School and was a graduate of Kinman Business University.
Mom married our Dad, Silvio DeCaro April 11, 1942.
They were married 62 years before his passing on June 7, 2004.
They were a wonderful example to all of their family and friends.
Together they started a custom tailoring business while Dad was the creative side of the business; Mom was the quiet business backbone of the duo.
Their son, Gian DeCaro carries on the tradition of the family business in Seattle, WA.
Silvio and Vera enjoyed travelling to Europe, Mexico, Hawaii and throughout the United States for enjoyment as well as attending the Custom Tailors and Designers Association of America annual conventions.
Mom delighted spending every Sunday as well as holidays with their very large Italian family.
Sunday afternoon dinner was a must attend event, and while all were welcome, an invitation to join the 20-30 people around the dinner table was a valued invite, rarely declined.
The family home was a welcomed refuge for the many Jesuits of Gonzaga Prep and University, who always seemed to find themselves “in the neighborhood” around dinnertime.
Spending time with her family was her greatest joy.
She talked to all four of her children every day, save for a handful over the years.
Friday was always a special day for “Vera and the Girls”, as they were known at Nordstrom.
It was also a good day for Nordstrom as well.
“The Girls” had a weekly reserved table at the Nordstrom Grill and were treated wonderfully over the years.
Vera loved to shop and was a stylish dresser because of their business.
Vera is survived by her three daughters and one son including Georgi DeCaro Valley (Jerry), Rita DeCaro Anderson (Terry), Joan DeCaro Shanks (Mike) and Gian DeCaro (Trish).
She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Teri Valley Weisbeck (Dave), Jenny Valley Dufresne (Jeff), Melissa Valley Bovenkamp (Kevin), Jeff Valley (Cori), Kirsten Anderson-Connolly (Rich), Megan Anderson Decker (Steve), Matthew Shanks (Melanie), Mia Shanks Davidson(Darin), Emily Shanks Scelfo (Scott), Domenico DeCaro and Alessandro DeCaro.
She leaves behind twenty-one great grandchildren.
She is also survived by two brothers, Father Anthony Via, SJ, and William Via.
Mom is predeceased by her parents and sister, Theresa Via Keefer and brother, John Via.
Mom will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31st from 12:00-7:00PM at Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division, Spokane, WA.
Rosary services will be held on Wednesday, July 31st at 7:00PM at the Funeral Home and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 10:30AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church 545 E. Providence, Spokane, WA.
Donations may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or The Tuition Assistance Fund at Gonzaga Preparatory School 1224 E. Euclid, Spokane, WA 99207.
Arrangements entrusted to: