Elena Troia

Elena Fones Troia, matriarch of the Troia Family restaurants died Christmas Day at the age of 93. After a beautiful dinner, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, she passed away. Elena emigrated to Baltimore from her native Naples, Italy in 1961 with her family to join her sister Rita Sofinowski and brother Al Fones. In Naples, she worked as a private tailor making custom clothing and costumes for the San Carlo theater. In Baltimore, she worked in the clothing manufacturing industry for over 20 years and taught in the Fashion Design department at MICA in the 1970's. In 1986 she helped establish Café Troia - a Towson landmark. At the age of 85, she co-authored a cookbook. Up until her death, she continued to bake for the Emporio Grano restaurant in Hamden owned by her son, Gino. She is survived by her sister Rita Sofinowski, son Gino Troia, daughter Maria Troia Cohen, grandchildren Lisa Troia Martin, Daniela Troia, Niko Troia, Stephen Cohen, Laura Troia and 11 great-grandchildren. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Texas, MD on Weds, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 101 Church Lane, Cockeysville MD 21030.