Our beloved mother, Elvira, passed away peacefully in her home on March 12, 2022, at Royal Park Retirement Center.

Born in Spokane on February 19, 1924 to Michael and Angelina (Felice) Mazza, Elvira attended St Aloysius grade school, Holy Names Academy and Kelsey Baird business school.

With her secretarial and bookkeeping skills, Elvira worked in the offices of Washington Laundry and Montgomery Wards, auditing daily departmental receivables and various other accounting duties.

Elvira met the love of her life, Filippo Colistro and married in September 1952 in Vancouver, B.C. Canada.  For a short time they lived in Vancouver before moving back to Spokane where all their children were born, Frances (Jack) Lucas, Angela (John) DeCaro, Michael Colistro, Phillip (Renae) Colistro and Roy (Mary) Colistro, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

In addition to raising her children and working in the home, Elvira worked at her uncle's neighborhood grocery store and as a nurse's aide at North Central Care Center, caring and grieving for her residents as if they were her own family.

Elvira was a member of the Italian Ladies Sunshine Sewing club. She crocheted and embroidered many beautiful doilies and tablecloths.

Elvira joined Day Out For the Blind and was a member for over 20 years. She made many good friends and looked forward to attending every Friday for the weekly activities. She held several officer positions on the board of directors. She truly blossomed at Day Out.

Her other interests in addition to spending time with her family were reading which transitioned to listening to talking books as well as the activities offered at Royal Park. She became very close to some of the staff members at Royal Park.

Regardless of her limitations, she successfully adapted and lived in her home independently until the age of 90. Her family and friends will always remember her strength, courage and resilience.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Horizon Hospice and Royal Park Retirement Center for her care.

A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 545 E. Providence, Spokane, Saturday, March 26, 2022, Rosary 9:30 am; Funeral Mass 10:30 am. Reception to follow at Day Out For the Blind.  A private entombment committal 2:30pm, Fairmount Memorial. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lilac Services for the Blind or Day Out For the Blind.