Antonietta M. D'Orazi

1920 - 2022

Antonietta M. D'Orazi
November 14, 1920 - April 23, 2022
Resident of Walnut Creek, CA
Antonietta passed away peacefully at 101 years old on April 23, 2022, with family at her side. She had lived an amazing, wonderful life marked by tragedy and triumph, joy and sorrow. Born in the small Italian town of Scandiano on November 14, 1920, to Arturo, a mercantile store owner, and Elisabetta Sessi, a teacher, she lived an idyllic life with her parents and 5 siblings until World War II. During the war their family home suffered a direct hit from a bomb which killed her mother and father and destroyed all their belongings.
She lived with relatives until the war ended and then married William D'Orazi in 1945. William was a doctor who had dual Italian/American citizenship and had fought with the Italian partisans against Mussolini and Hitler. They started their family with 3 children Elizabeth (Daniel Hoffmann), Helen (Richard DiLorenzo) and Rick (Joanne) who were born in consecutive years. One day Antonietta read a notice which stated that any Italian who had American citizenship could relocate to the United States. This began the journey which took her across the Atlantic Ocean with three children to meet with William in New York City. Although she spoke little English, she made the journey and then with William and the three children took the train to Butte, MT, where her husband had found work as a doctor in the Murray Clinic.
Although adjusting to a new world and a new language was difficult, Antonietta learned how to make a comfortable life for her family in Montana and made many friends with her warm personality and amazing cooking skills. During their time in Montana, they welcomed three more children, Margaret (Peter Sansone), Thomas (Theodora), and Michael (Loretta). Because the laws in Montana at the time precluded William from starting his own physician practice, they were forced to look elsewhere for the future well-being of their family.
Their path led them to Oakland, CA, and then to San Leandro where William was able to begin his own practice which he carried on for nearly 30 years. During this time they welcomed their seventh chiild, Mary (Greg German). William and Antonietta enjoyed an extraordinary life filled with family and friends for many years in the Bay Area and then in Paradise, CA where they relocated after William's retirement in 1989. In Paradise they continued to enjoy the company of their loved ones and valued friends with food, music and fun. Dr. William D'Orazi passed away in February 2005, and Antonietta continued to live in their home where she entertained her seven children and spouses, 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many guests. Although she spent most of her adult life as a homemaker, she also had many talents. This led to her publishing a cookbook of her favorite recipes at the age of 90, which is a staple in every home of family members and friends!
Tragedy struck once more when the Camp Fire destroyed her home in November 2018. Antonietta then relocated to Walnut Creek to be closer to family, where she lived until she passed away. She was a remarkable woman who loved her family, friends and faith. We are all better people because of her gentle, loving ways, and we will all miss her very much!


View the online memorial for Antonietta M. D'Orazi