Antonia "Lanza" Lombardo

Antonia Lombardo died with her family at her side on October 22, 2014 in Puyallup, Washington at the age of 88. Antonia is survived by her daughters Rosary Lombardo (Matt Knutson) of Juneau, AK and Josephine Whispel (Bill Whispel) of Puyallup, WA; grandchildren, Tristan Knutson-Lombardo, Jordan Whispel, Kaelen Knutson-Lombardo and Rylee Whispel; sister Caterina Luppino (Vincent Luppino); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Jasper Lombardo. Antonia was born on October 23, 1925 in Campobello di Mazara, Sicily to Antonio and Tomasa Lanza. She married Jasper in 1955. They emigrated from Italy to Tacoma in 1956, and became U.S. citizens in the early 60s. Working various jobs over the years, Antonia spent much of her time raising and caring for her family. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, sewing, playing Italian card games (Scopa), watching her "soaps," and reading. Antonia's real passion was cooking and baking. Her family and friends will remember her famous Sicilian pasta and meatballs, delicious cannolli, and her trays of Christmas "dolci." Donations can be made to St. Rita's Church or Franciscan Hospice. The family would like to thank Franciscan Hospice for their kindness and care at the end of Antonia's life.