Lena Donizetti

Lena Donizetti, age 95, of Dover passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at Community Hospice House in New Philadelphia after a period of declining health. She was born on June 5, 1917, in Wainwright, Ohio, to Angelo and Rosina Volpi. After World War I, the family returned to Endenna, Italy, where she spent her childhood and early adulthood. Lena married Angelo Donizetti on May 8, 1943. They immigrated to the United States in 1947 and settled in Mount Vernon, New York. After Angelo and Lena both retired, they returned to Wainwright and later moved to Dover. Her husband, Angelo, passed away in 1990. She was also preceded in death by four siblings.

Lena was an accomplished seamstress, who worked for many years in dress shops in Mount Vernon. She enjoyed making clothes, including wedding dresses for family and friends. Lena was an expert at knitting and crocheting, and in 1976, she crocheted blanket-sized American flags to celebrate the Bicentennial. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family in the United States and traveled frequently to visit her extended family in Italy.

Lena was a longtime member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Dover. She volunteered for many years at New Dawn Retirement Community in Dover where she taught sewing and knitting and mended clothing for the residents. Later, before becoming a resident there, she also volunteered at Park Village in Dover.

Lena is survived by her children, Gilda McCauley (James) of Hillsborough, New Jersey, Tom Donizetti (Debbie) of Dover, Angelo Donizetti of Sparkill, New York, and William Donizetti (Maria) of Dover.

Lena will be deeply missed by her ten grandchildren: John McCauley (Sara Shay), Rose McCauley (Paul Troiano), Matthew Donizetti, Megan McHugh (David), Gina Poletto (Steve), Tracy Holihan (Michael), Kristen DeSanctis (John), Angela Mohler (Matthew), Regina Donizetti, and Michael Donizetti; and seven great-grandchildren: Jacob and Alexander McCauley, James and Erin Troiano, Emily McHugh, Gianna Lucia DeSanctis, and Connor Holihan, and she was looking forward to the arrival of two more great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 10:30am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover with Fr. Matt Hoover officiating. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery at Dover with a reception to follow in the St. Joseph Family Life Center. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Friday from 4-7pm with Christian Wake services at 6:45pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Lena may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "Obituaries and Flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice House of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
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