It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our mother, Doreen Elmore, who peacefully left us on March 9, 2025, at the age of ninety. Doreen was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit.

Born on January 9,1935, Doreen was the third of four children born to Lorenzo Zingale and Frenda Anselmo. She had an older sister, Velma, who passed away at the age of sixteen, an older brother Richard, who passed away in 2017, and is survived by her beloved, younger sister Rosalee.

Doreen was a lifetime resident of Spokane growing up in "Little Italy" in the Minnehaha community. Her neighborhood consisted of many Italian families, including the Pentas', Nigros', Saccomanno's, Mauro's and Ressa's. Doreen was very proud of her Italian heritage. Her Italian upbringing provided her with strong and protective family bonds, with a deep sense of loyalty and support for each other. As her children, Doreen blessed us with these many gifts.

Each summer, the American Italian Club picnic was held at various parks throughout Spokane. The food was potluck and always amazing! Our family and cousins were often in attendance sharing food, games and stories.

Mom attended Cooper Grade School and John Rogers High School. She did not graduate from High School with her classmates, so at the age of 33, she went back to night school and obtained her GED. With an earned respect for education, mom was always the one helping us with our homework and celebrating our graduations with huge family parties.

Mom married our dad, Richard Elmore, in 1956. She loved being a wife and mother and called that her "number one profession." She gave birth to six children, with 2 girls, Michelle and Mary, passing away at birth. She devoted her life to her family, always placing them at the center of her world. Her love and support were the foundation of our lives, and her teachings will remain in our hearts forever.

Another proud accomplishment for mom was learning to swim. At the age of 35, mom and her cousin Beverly took swimming lessons at the old Shadle Park indoor pool. The final test included jumping off the high dive and swimming to the edge. Others in the class were too afraid to jump, but mom fearlessly climbed the ladder and sailed off the diving board, swimming to the edge like crazy! We will never forget her coming home and excitedly sharing her feat of passing the test.

Doreen went back to work when her children were all in school. She worked for many years at the Crescent, a department store at the Northtown Mall, where her keen sense of fashion was developed! She later began working full-time at Medical Service Corporation in 1977, as a customer service representative, helping clients navigate the confusing health care system. It was at MSC that she developed lifelong friendships including her dear friend Stella Elliott. She retired in 2000, which gave her more time to spend with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Mom and dad divorced in 1990. She remained in our family home until 2016. She kept an immaculate house and was an excellent cook. She could put together a meal in no time. Her lasagna, potato salad, pink fluffy cherry salad and mud pie were family favorites.

Her legacy will live on through her children, Mark (Margaret), Mike (Darren), Greg (Brandee) and Dina Borchers, her grandchildren Tyler, Alysha, Matt (Dannie), Meghan (Matt), Allison, Stella, Ryen, Landen and her great-grandchildren Norah Rose and Silas. She is also survived by her sister Rosalee Keane and her children, Steve and Brian. As a "people person", Doreen was known for her kindness, laughter and her ability to make friends wherever she went. Her legacy of love, faithfulness and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Our family would like to thank Zelyne Adult Family Home and Horizon Hospice for the excellent care they gave our mom this past year.

A private family service is planned later in May at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Horizon Hospice in honor of Doreen's commitment to helping others. Remembrances may be submitted to the Holy Cross Cemetery website, www.holycrossofspokane.org

Tootle loo - go easy mom! We love you!