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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Martire (De Luca), Dora

Age 86

MARTIRE (DE LUCA), Dora April 25, 1927 - September 13, 2013 Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and friend to all; Dora Martire (De Luca) was reunited with our Lord and Savior on 9/13/13.

She was born on 4/25/1927 in Pedace (CS), Calabria-Italy to Parents Leonardo and Francescina De Luca and was preceded in death by them and her precious brother Pietro, who died at age six.

Pietro had a special place in Dora’s heart and she prayed to our Blessed Mother for the repose of his soul daily.

She met the love of her life, Raymond Martire in grade school in Pedace, Italy.

They were married in 1947, and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in December 2012.

The couple Immigrated to Spokane, WA in 1948 after WW II and began what was an epic life of family, friends, and food.

Dora and her husband Ray had three children: Leonard; Antonietta (Toni), husband Dean Picicci; and Frank.

She is also survived by her first cousin, Teresa Bafaro of Spokane, WA.

Dora took several trips to Italy to visit family and friends.

She also enjoyed spending the summer months at Deer Lake, WA.

Dora primarily spent her time cooking and raising her children and grandchildren: Raymond and Sarah Picicci (Luca, Charlotte); Chris and Adrianne Picicci (Matteo); Rachel Martire (Sophia, Selina, Joseph); and Jeremy Martire.

She also spent time working with Ray, her husband, at the family’s hamburger restaurants: The Dairy Freeze and Pakies, both popular landmarks on the Gonzaga University Campus from the 60’s to the late 80’s.

The Martire family’s success can be attributed to the wisdom and vision of Dora, according to her husband of 65 years.

She was a devout lifelong parishioner of St. Xavier church and belonged to many social clubs; she enjoyed the American Italian Club the most; where she was “first lady” in 1974 and 1976.

Her wonderful smile and beautiful personality will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, integrity, and living in the moment, lives on through her family.

Addio Carissima Nonna, Mamma, Moglie.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 20, 2013 from 10AM to 5PM and followed by a Rosary service at 7PM at HS.

A Funeral Mass will take place Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 10:30AM at St. Xavier Private Interment directly after.

Memorial contributions can be made to UNICEF.

To view Dora’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.