Elvira Darolfi

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Elvira Darolfi brought such joy to others. An Italian through and through, she was a woman of tradition and old fashioned family values who believed in working hard and helping others in any way she could regardless of situation or circumstances. A devoted wife and mother, Elvira was thrilled to witness her family tree blossom to include the children and grandchildren who were her greatest source of pride and joy. She was a someone who persevered through whatever challenges came her way, embracing both the peaks and valleys along her life’s journey. A dear woman to many, Elvira will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished.

The 1920s were a volatile time in Italian history as Mussolini continued to gain power. Political and social unrest grew, which only furthered the rise of Fascism. It was during this eventful time that a young couple from Supino, Italy, was eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on September 28, 1925, when the healthy baby girl they named Elvira drew her first breath. She was one of five children born to her parents, Giuseppe and Anna Maria Farcassa, and she was raised in the family home in Italy alongside her siblings, Piacentino, Alfredo, Guerino, and Fiorina. Her parents were hard working farmers who owned and operated the family farm, and while growing up Elvira had her fair share of work on the farm as well. The education she received was limited during her elementary years.

As a young woman Elvira met the young man of her dreams. His name was Vittorio Darolfi, and they were married in Italy in 1945. Together with her husband, Elvira was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome two children, Giuseppina “Jo" and John, into their hearts and home. In 1954 she, her husband, and her young daughter immigrated to the United States, coming through Ellis Island. Elvira did not know much English upon her arrival, but she did pick up the language by talking to neighbors and working as a cook in various restaurants around Detroit including Roma Hall Restaurant, Stromboli, and Roman Forum.

Life in the Darolfi home was a bustle of activity with Elvira at the helm. It was her greatest desire to keep Italian traditions alive, especially when it came to her cooking as everything like pasta, meatballs, and other Italian dishes were always made from scratch. Elvira loved being in the kitchen, and gardening was also her passion as she could be found out there all day nearly every day. Even after injuring her hip she still managed to garden. Elvira was also in all her glory during big family gatherings. After 40 years of marriage, she was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband in 1985.

Kindhearted, generous, and compassionate are just a few of the words that come to mind when reflecting on Elvira Darolfi. She was always concerned about others rather than spending time focusing on herself, and her devotion to her family was unmatched. Elvira was the sort of person who would do whatever she could for people whether her family, friends, or strangers, and there was no one who met her and left unchanged. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, she will never be forgotten.

Elvira Darolfi died on November 27, 2014. Elvira’s family includes her children, Giuseppina "Jo" Darolfi-Rottach (Fred) and John (Judy); grandchildren, Robert, Victor (Jenna), Vincent, and Nicholel; and siblings, Piacentino and Alfredo. Elvira was preceded in death by her husband, Vittorio, and her siblings, Guerino and Fiorina. The family will receive friends Saturday 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Sunday, 3:00-8:00 p.m. at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Road, Canton, with a scripture service to be held Sunday at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, 10:30 a.m. at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church, 44800 Warren Road, with an in state at 10:00 a.m. until Mass begins. To leave a memory, or up-load a photo of Elvira, please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com.