Elisa Mary DiGangi

DiGANGI, Elisa M., 88, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away January 9, 2010. A first-generation Italian-American, she was born April 9, 1921 in Albuquerque. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Pete, three children, daughters Vicki Garcia and husband Pat, Gloria Garcia, all of Albuquerque, and son Perry DiGangi a resident of Northern California. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Sara Jo Garcia, Lisa Jo Garcia, Rebecca Jo Garcia, Christina Bezemek Jeffers and Lynn Jeffers all of Albuquerque; and eight great-grandchildren Timothy Romero, Dominic and Joshua Segura, Mia Victoria Jeffers, Matthew Tirado, Isabella and Vincent Valenzuela, and Gabriel Martinez. She was preceded in death by her parents, Attilia and Pietro Giacomelli, who owned and ran the City Cafe on Central Avenue for several years in the 1940ʼs. She was also preceded in death by a son, Peter III, who died shortly after childbirth in 1954 and her grandson, Christopher Bezemek Jeffers, 35, who died suddenly and unexpectedly on April 20, 2008. Elisa graduated from St. Vincent Academy in Albuquerque, attended Browning Business College briefly and worked at Kirtland Air Force Base for many years where she met her husband Pete who was stationed there. After retiring, she became a housewife and spent her time traveling with her husband and enjoying her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also could be found at the slot machines at a casino from time to time, an activity which she enjoyed immensely. Pall bearers: Raymond Balduini, Pete Bachechi, Philip Bachechi, Mike Dushi, Timothy Romero and Pat Garcia. Spiritual Pall Bearer: Christopher Jeffers. Mass Servers: Joe and Matthew Hanosh. It is requested that memorials be sent to Covenant House, Times Square Station, PO Box 731, New York, NY 10108-0900 or Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60607-2906. The family would like to thank the staff at Marler Manor for their courtesy and kindness to Elisa during her brief stays with them. Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 1100 Coal Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800