Lucia Ditorrice

Lucia Ida DiTorrice, 85, born Lucia Orazi, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 14 at 11:00 pm in Fort Collins Colorado. She was born on March 7, 1931 to Luigi and Anna Orazi in Montegallo Italy. Lucia graduated from West High School. Fluent in Italian and English, She had planned to become a translator for the United Nations. However, she met her beloved Enrico DiTorrice at a dance and they married on October 26, 1951. As is true for so many European immigrants, Lucia and Enrico worked diligently to provide for and raise five wonderful children. They both valued education and had a strong work ethic which ensured their children had a passion for learning and “can do” attitude. The family moved from Illinois in 1965 to Colorado where they owned a small farm, before retiring to Berthoud in 1984. After the children were grown, Lucia and Enrico enjoyed time with their church friends and regular trips to the local casinos. Lucia was known for her fabulous meals and entertaining, holiday cooking sprees and delectable feasts whenever anyone visited. Always generous with left-overs, you were certain to never go hungry when leaving Lucia’s house. She loved her family and greatly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Lucia was a devoted Catholic and an active member of Spirit of Christ Catholic Church. She volunteered with the “Young at Heart” ministry and was always eager to provide support and food for events. As her health needs increased, she moved to Fort Collins in 2013, where her daughter Anna and son-in-law Jim were instrumental in her care and well-being until her death. When asked a few days prior to her passing whether she needed anything, her faint but clear response was “Live Well.” Sounds like sound advice from a wise and generous lady. She is survived by her son Guy of Oregon (Claudine), and from Colorado: son Michael (Char), daughter-in-law Diana, daughter Anna (Jim Mull), son Louis (Tammy), granddaughters Ashley Mull and Austyn Mull, grandson Danny DiTorrice. From Oregon, grandson Matt DiTorrice (Jo), great-grandsons Jacob and Justyn; sister Gina Orazi of Illinois and brother Gino Orazi (Renee) of Washington, in addition to beloved nieces, nephews, and friends throughout the country. She was preceded in death by both parents, Luigi and Anna Theresa Orazi, husband Enrico (2003), son Anthony (2015) and grandson Christopher (2003), and many cherished relatives and friends. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 24th at 1:00 pm at Spirit of Christ Catholic Church located at 7400 W. 80th Ave., Arvada. Refreshments will be served in the church hall at 2:00 pm followed by 3:00 pm crypt-side memorial at Mount Olivet Cemetery at 12801 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge.