Doris Mae Papi

1922 - 2024

Doris Mae Papi

March 26, 1922 - April 13, 2024

Fresno, California - Doris Mae (Mezzano) Papi was born on March 26, 1922, to Domenico Mezzano and Mary (Caire) Mezzano in Christopher, Illinois. She had one older sister, Edith (Mezzano) Hazeltine.

The Mezzano Family moved to Fresno in 1927 and into their family home on Princeton Avenue. Doris attended Morris E. Dailey Elementary School, Hamilton Middle School, and Fresno High School.

Growing up, Doris was an accomplished violinist. In the 1940's, Doris, her sister Edith, and cousin Del, formed a band and would play around Fresno at nightclubs such as the 7 Mile Inn. She would eventually meet her future husband, Elmer Papi, through her music events, as well as at various family functions.

Doris and Elmer married on May 9th,1943, at St. Alphonsus Church. They did not have much time together as newlyweds before Elmer was called to serve overseas in WWII shortly after they were married. Doris and Elmer were married 57 years.

In 1946 Doris gave birth to her first of two sons, Ken, and shortly after their little family moved into their forever home on Sierra Madre Avenue. Stan, her second son, was born in 1951. The Papi home on Sierra Madre was built by Elmer himself and was a home that would become the hub for many family functions including family reunions, children's and grandchildren's graduation parties, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and many Papi Family Sunday dinners.

Doris went to work for Sears in 1956. Sales came naturally to Doris, and she was one of their most successful salespeople in her 26-year career. She retired in 1982. Whether it be at Sears or chairing the Italian Catholic Federation's (ICF) annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser, Doris had a work ethic that was second to none. Doris was a member of the ICF Branch 32 for 60 years. She served as President and was instrumental in the success of fundraising efforts. She was a constant figure at Fresno High Baseball games, and any sporting events where her grandchildren or great-grandchildren were competing, usually bringing with her sliced oranges and a big bin of her famous chocolate chip cookies.

Anyone who knew Doris knows how important her family was to her. She loved unconditionally, always showed up, was a constant source of support, and found comfort in taking care of those she loved the most. She was the sole caretaker until their passing, of her father-in-law, sister, mother, father, and husband. Doris showed her affection for loved ones through her cooking and gatherings together, and if you were invited over for Sunday family dinner you were probably fed a healthy portion of pasta and chicken cutlets. Always making enough food for an army, if you did not go back for a second portion, Doris would take notice and would ask why you weren't hungry and if you were feeling okay. "MANGIA MANGIA," she would say. She hosted Sunday family dinners until her early nineties.

Doris, our Noni, was feisty and strong-willed, silly and playful. When she laughed, she laughed hard, and man did she love to dance. Above all else, she was love. We love you a "bushel and a peck" Noni, forever.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, husband Elmer and sister Edith. She is survived by her two sons Ken (Peggy) Papi and Stan (Margo) Papi; five grandchildren: Ann (Neil) Castro, Michelle Papi, Jason (Annie) Papi, Lisa (A.J.) Lakovich, Katie (Travis) DeManby, and 13 great grandchildren.

A service honoring Doris's life will be held on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home located at 836 E. Nees Avenue, Fresno CA 93720, and a private burial at St. Peter's Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to a reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 7461 N. First Street, Suite 103, Fresno, CA 93720.