Adele I. Lord "Nonni"

Adele was born to Dr. Pietro Fabrizio and Maria de Capoa on February 14, 1924 in Campobasso, Molise, Italy. In her late teens, the war interrupted studies she'd begun at the University of Rome, forcing her to resume her life with her family which had by then moved to Lecce, Puglia. As the war came to an end, she met and fell in love with Wilfrid H. Lord, a Seattle native volunteering with the American Field Services attached to the British Eighth Army campaigning across North Africa and into Italy where Lord was setting up Red Cross facilities. They married on July 28, 1945 and moved to Seattle in 1947 where Adele worked as a fashion model in Seattle's Bon Marche. She retired temporarily to become a mother and a homemaker with the birth of her daughter, Adrienne (Paetzke) who survives her. As her daughter became established Adele returned to the Bon Marche as a retail sales specialist. Grandchildren came too. Adele nurtured and cared for her grandsons Ryan and Peter, and then opened her arms and heart to embrace her great-granddaughter Giordana Coccia and great grandson Matthew. Each of them miss their "Nonni" endlessly. Passing away on December 28th at age 90, she was predeceased by her husband and by a sister Wanda Fabrizio. Adele was known to all as a woman of intelligence, dignity and substance. Whether cooking tantalizing Italian dishes for family or guests, or teaching informal Italian classes at her home to friends, or perfecting her garden, or participating in the Dante Alighieri Society she illuminated the lives of others with style and grace.

Funeral services will be held at

1 PM, Saturday, January 3 at

St. Bridget Catholic Church

where a reception will follow.

Hoffner Fisher & Harvey

Guest book at harveyfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Dec. 30 to Dec. 31, 2014.

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January 8, 2015

Adele was a dear friend for whom I have the fondest memories. She was a devoted and loyal member of the Dante Alighieri Society where she contributed substantially with her talents and treasure. A beautiful person in every way.
Gini Harmon

Richard Watts

January 4, 2015

Heartfelt condolences to Adriana from her colleagues in French and Italian Studies at the University of Washington.

January 3, 2015

Adele was a wonderful woman and a fabulous neighbor at Bitter Lake West. One memorable time with Adele was coming to the aid of her cat who was overheated and not coming out from under Adele's bed. I had to literally drag her out against her wishes and pour a pan of cold water over the kitty's head (with the assistance of another neighbor who held her). It was quite a scene!!! Kitty felt much better after it was all over and so did Adele who had been very worried about her lethergy. Thanks to Adele for the friendship and for having us all over for our annual home owner meeting each year. I am grateful to have known her.

Debbie Delaney, #103

Cristy Cathey

January 2, 2015

Adele was a wonderful neighbor at her condo on Bitterlak
She was so gracious to host many years board meetings at her home. She will be greatly missed. I was so glad to have known her almost 30 years living on the lake.

Giuseppe Tassone

January 1, 2015

I have known Adele Lord for many years through the Dante Alighieri Society of Washington. She was a great person and supporter of the organization and its activities since its inception. I have many memories of Adele at the Festa di Natale per i Bambini since my daughters were little and other Dante Alighieri Society's event such as Carnevale and Festa di Primavera. I remember Adele as a gentle, caring and soft-spoken person. I will miss Adele. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Micki Jo Palmer

December 31, 2014

We enjoyed visiting with Adele so many times at Adrienne's home. What a lovely lady. Her biscotti will be missed, but the recipe lives on!!

Elena Bianco

December 31, 2014

To a lovely, elegant and kind woman. I will miss you, Adele. Siete sempre nei miei pensieri. (You're probably shaking your head and correcting my verb tense in Heaven right now...)

Antonella Mancini

December 31, 2014

I remember Adele fondly from the Dante Alighieri Society of Washington, Seattle. So rare to find 2 people from Campobasso ("Cambwash") in Seattle! Her from the city, me from the province. We had many wonderful conversations. I will always remember her at her pizzelle iron post, making piping hot pizzelle for the Festa di Natale per i bambini. I am honored to have known her and will miss her greatly. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Diane Clifford

December 31, 2014

What sweet memories I have of this wonderful woman. Adele hosted a small group of eager Italian learners almost every week for many years. It took us seven years to orally translate a very funny book by Beppe Severgnini, and Adele was very patient with our struggles. Her insights and love of language made the book even more fun. She would also regale us with tales of her early life in Italy and her descriptions of her beloved Lecce. I was one of a few fortunate folks for whom she made her Lecce condo available for a lovely Italian vacation. She was wise, giving, and loyal to her family and friends. I miss her.