Liliana DiDonato, 89, Loved her family, animals, and Italy.
Liliana DiDonato (nee Febo), age 89, of Lorain, passed away at the home of her daughter on the evening of Monday July 7, 2014 following a one month illness. Liliana was born in Spoltore, Italy on May 1, 1925; she immigrated to the United States in 1955 originally establishing residence in Oberlin. In 1956 she moved to Lorain where she remained a resident until the time of her passing.
Following her arrival in the United States, Mrs. DiDonato taught herself the English language; as time passed, she received enjoyment by serving as a translator to individuals needing assistance interpreting letters from Italy. She continued to maintain pride in her heritage by always insuring that her children and grandchildren were exposed to Italian traditions and customs. She was an accomplished cook and baker who also canned extensively with the assistance of her late husband.
Liliana liked Italian music, as well as taking trips to her native Italy. In addition, she relished serving as hostess to all who visited her home. She enjoyed the companionship of her pet dogs and displayed a particular fondness for her pet Collie, Mario. Mrs. DiDonato was a parishioner of the Church of St. Peter.
She is survived by her daughter Beatrice Lilly and her husband Thomas residing in New London, along with her sons Joseph DiDonato of Lorain and Pete DiDonato of Amherst She also leaves her granddaughter Lauren Elizabeth Lilly, her grandson Gabriel Anthony Lilly, and her brother-in-law Panfilo DiPablo Emilio, along with a host of nieces and nephews residing in Spoltore and Pescara, Italy.
Liliana was preceded in death by her husband Antonio in 1998, by her parents Pietro and Amelia (nee DeLeonardis) Febo, and by her sister Maria Febo.
Visitation will be Thursday from 4 until 8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. Funeral services will begin at 9:00 a.m. Friday in the funeral chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30 in the Church of St. Peter, 3501 Oberlin Avenue. The Reverend Craig Hovanec, pastor of the parish will officiate. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.