Martha Amoia

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Martha Amoia, formerly of Auburn, passed away Nov. 4, 2005, in Las Vegas, Nev.

Martha was born Dec. 24, 1919, in Dubois, Pa., to David and Olive (Holmes) Blakely, then moved to Buffalo. She was the widow of Joseph C. Amoia, a former owner/partner of Caito's Bakery.

Martha is survived by two sons, Joseph Amoia and Mike (Annie) Amoia, all of Las Vegas; two daughters, Marilyn (Carl) Castiglione of Auburn, and Tina (Ernie) Griffin of Arizona; daughter-in-law, Alice Amoia of Auburn; son-in-law, Al Brown of Wisconsin; 13 grandchildren, Philip, Mary Alice, Flossie and Nancy Amoia, Christopher (Stacy) Amoia, Janie Amoia, Jennifer and Carl Castiglione, Lori and Bob Treat, Dominic Petrulla, Matt and Katie Amoia; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by husband, Joseph C. Amoia; son, Louis Amoia; daughter, Libby Amoia Brown; grandson, Joseph; daughter-in-law, Linda Amoia; and sister, Ellen Lascola.

After working many years at Caito's Bakery and raising six children, Martha was finally able to fulfill her lifelong ambition of nursing. She started her nursing studies at age 40, while working full-time at Mercy Hospital as an aide. She received her LPN and was given a scholarship to Upstate Medical Center, where she graduated summa cum laude and received her R.N. Martha and Joseph then moved to California, where she continued her studies and received her master's degree. She not only worked as an R.N. in many capacities, but she also taught nursing in California and Nevada. She worked until she was 80 years old, and at that time was one of the oldest practicing nurses in the state of Nevada. One of the local TV stations did a news story about her, which was broadcast throughout the state.

Martha had a zest for life and traveled to many places. May her final resting place be the best journey of all.

Services were held in Las Vegas.