Pasqualina (Lina) De Tora Martellini, 97, of Lansing, MI, formerly of North Providence, RI, died peacefully on February 27, 2021. She was born on May 7, 1923 in Caianello, Provincia di Caserta, Italy.
Pasqualina ("Little Easter") or Lina, as she was commonly called, is survived by her loving son Giacomo (James), his wife, Jody and seven grandchildren: Mia Corinna, Victoria Elizabeth, Cole Alexander, Liam Jacob, Isabella Pasqualina, Michele Giacomo and Sara Gianna. She is also survived by her two brothers Guiseppe De Tora of Capua, Italy and Sigismondo De Tora of Pearl River, New York along with her two sister-in-laws Carla Martellini of Gallo, Italy and Concetta De Iorio of Caianello, Italy and brother-in-law, Amadeo Martellini of Roma, Italy as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins living in Italy and the US.
She was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Michele Martellini of North Providence, RI; by her parents, Antonio De Tora and Almelinda (Izzo) De Tora; by her siblings: Esterina, Hilda, Nandina, Silvia, Ubaldo, Carmine, Clorinda, Aurelio and Mary.
Lina endured economic depression growing up in Italy in the 20's and 30's. She overcome injuries and the tragic death of loved ones during devastating war in the 40's that even led soldiers to occupying a large portion of her family home and farm.
The unexpected death of her father in 1950 while her mother was with family in America forced Lina to overcome yet another difficult circumstance with its various challenges including for some time the management of workers and the family farm in Caianello, Italy.
Eventually in 1955, Lina travelled to America and settled near family in Providence, RI. During her early years in America, she worked for extended family and in various factories making jewelry, knives for Imperial Knife and even golf balls for Uniroyal.
In 1961, she returned to Italy to marry Michele Martellini and was a loving wife, mother and homemaker in North Providence, RI for her husband and son. She loved and took great pride in caring for her family and home. She passionately prepared creative meals, inspiring dishes and delectable baked goods and desserts. She took great joy in cooking for family and friends during Feast Days, birthdays and holidays - especially Christmas and Easter. Her loving touch and care extended to all she did. She had a special way of even growing her abundant indoor plants and beautiful outdoor gardens ensuring all were fruitful and thrived year after year.
From a very young age and under the tutelage of her mother, Lina became a very talented dressmaker, seamstress and tailor. She was masterfully skilled with her own unique knitting machine and vintage sewing machine as well as with her hand work using various traditional knitting needles and crochet hooks. She made all her own clothing and generously offered her gifts to family and friends throughout her life.
Her Roman Catholic faith was the real core of her life and she was a fierce warrior of prayer. She always had her prayer book open and close at hand making her morning offering, reading and reciting her prayers daily without exception. She prayed the Holy Rosary often continuously during the day and into the night. She attended Holy Mass daily and conscientiously participated in parish life at St. Ann Church in many ways for many years. As an active member of the Daughters of Isabella, Lina, along with her society sisters, would pray for the souls of parishioners, family and friends during many wakes, viewings and funerals.
In recent years she lived with her son and his family in Lansing and Okemos, Michigan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Wednesday, April 7, 2021at St. Ann Church in Providence. Burial will in St. Ann Cemetery Cranston,.
A Month's Mind Requiem Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday April 15, 2021 and an additional Memorial Mass followed by Eucharistic Adoration with Benediction will be held at 12:00Noon on Friday, May 21, 2021 at St. Mary Cathedral (of the Immaculate Conception) in Lansing, MI.
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