Elvira "Elvie" Rose Totero

   Mrs. Elvie Rose Totero, 92, passed away at Lakeshore Manor on Tuesday, October 18, 2011.

   A lifelong resident of Racine, she was born on August 29, 1919, the daughter of Frank and Emelia (nee: Carelli) DeLuca.  She attended Washington Park High School.  On September 7, 1940, she married Joseph A Totero at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.  He preceded her in death on April 9, 2009.

   In her earlier years she worked for Massey-Harris and Hamilton Beach but was happiest as a mother, wife and homemaker.  She also volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital for many years.  Elvie was a longtime member of both St. Lucy and St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Churches.  She loved crossword puzzles and playing cards with various groups, including the Humble Park Seniors.  She will be remembered by those who loved her as a fabulous cook and baker. 

   Elvie was happiest when she was in the company of her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. However, she had fond memories of the many Italian family gatherings dating back to her childhood.

   Her survivors include her daughters, Barbara (Daniel) Hintz of Union Grove and  Marilyn  Hager of Aliso Viejo, CA;  her grandchildren, Michael Marshall, Gina (Noli) Ambasan both of Racine, Shari (Scott) Oberst of Kenosha, Jennifer Rodriguez of Mission Viejo, CA, Jeff Hager of Union Grove, Joey (Sabrina) Hager of Temecula, CA, Richard (Kathy) Hintz of Racine, Danell Hintz of Union Grove; 14 great grandchildren, Stephanie, Alyssa, Kaylee, Adam, John, Taylor, Leah, Alexandria, Nathan, Jacob, Kayla, Josh, Amber and Daniel; her brothers and sister, Art (Frances) DeLuca of Spokane, WA, Joe (Kathy) DeLuca of Seattle, WA, Charlotte Silvio of Whittier, CA; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Mamie DeLuca of Whittier, CA, Sally DeLuca of Washington,  Robert (Fern) Totero of Sun City, FL and numerous dear nieces and nephews.   In addition to her parents and husband, Elvie was preceded in death by her brothers, Ernie (Helen) Tom and Ector DeLuca; sister-in-law, Carm (Al) Christiano and brothers-in-law, Frank Silvio, Tony (Antoinette) Totero and Sam (Virginia) Totero.

   Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (6400 Spring St) on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. for the celebration of Elvie’s life and funeral mass with Rev. Terry Huebner.  Her interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia.  There will be a visitation in the church on Monday from 10-11 a.m.   In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church or to one’s favorite charity.

   A very special thank you to Lakeshore Manor for the loving attention Elvie received during her stay.  She commented regularly on how well she was cared for by the entire staff.