Dorothy Itule passed away on April 29, 2008, after a brief illness.
She was born to Edwin and Norma Kiefer on July 23, 1927, in the quaint village of Glencoe, IL, a place she loved dearly. Her family moved to Arizona when she was 17 years old. She graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1945 and, on Christmas Eve 1948, she married Willie Itule.
Early in life, she discovered a passion for interior design. Her homes were always beautifully decorated and she taught everyone in her family to appreciate beautiful surroundings. She knew how to make a home a sanctuary and each of her children looked to her for decorating advice and suggestions. You could always find her with a paint brush in hand as she refurbished antiques, furniture and accessories. Her home was truly her castle. She also loved to travel and was fortunate to make several journeys to Europe throughout her life. She had a special love for Italy, the land of her heritage. On her 80th birthday, her son, Willie, surprised her with a family trip to Rome, Florence and Venice. For the past 26 years, Dorothy and her family would travel to Laguna Beach for summer vacations. She was a devoted mother and loving grandmother and was always surrounded by her adoring family. Holidays and birthdays were a special time. A superb cook and entertainer, everyone looked forward to dinners at her home. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved brother Teddy, and her husband Willie. She is survived by daughter Beverly Kamps, son Willie Itule and wife Lynn, son Paul Itule and daughter Paula Itule and husband Steve Nastasi, and her grandchildren Billy, Andy and Jessie Itule, all of Phoenix.
Visitation will be from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM on Sunday, May 4th, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road in Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 5th, at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 2312 East Campbell Avenue in Phoenix.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made in Dorothy’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
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