Obituary of Adelfa M. Gasperetti

Adelfa M. Gasperetti, 98, died August 21, 2010. She was born in Montecatini Terme, Italy on December 13, 1911. Adelfa was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Gig Harbor. She was preceded in death by her loving husband George, of almost 50 years, two sisters Nerina & Sira & her brother Luigi (Gigi). She is survived by her 2 daughters Ann (Chuck) Thiery & Diana (Fred) Gasperetti-Martin both of Gig Harbor, five grandchildren, Ronald (wife, Lisa) & Thomas Thiery, Kenneth (wife, Sabrina), Lisa & Tania Thomas & 8 great grandchildren, Niclas & Tyler Thiery, Hannah, Jonathan, Katharine & Rebecca Thiery, Sophia & Christine Thomas. At the age of 27 Adelfa met her husband George while he was visiting family in Italy. He took a liking to her but she refused to date him because they were cousins. She finally relented & after a dispensation from the Pope, eventually they were married in her home town on April 22, 1939. As WWII approached George had to leave Italy without his bride & after petitioning his state senator she was able to come over on the last ship from Italy to arrive in New York. Since she was surrounded by many Italian friends & family, she slowly adjusted to life in America, but always maintained her Italian traditions. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother & proud of her family. She loved to play bingo. Adelfa had a passion for cooking and baking, reflecting the family businesses, a bread bakery in Italy & a restaurant in Tacoma. She was the force that kept the family together after our father died. We will truly miss her strength & love.