Flora Calabrese, 83, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on August 11th, 2024 due to complications from cancer. Flora was born on March 27th, 1941 to Giuseppe and Giovanna Liotine in Mola di Bari, Italy, where she spent her childhood. Her mother passed away when she was 12, leading her to emigrate to the United States at age 16, following her father and brothers to Chicago, Illinois. In 1963, Flora graduated from Rosary College. She worked in Chicago for several years before continuing her formal education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to obtain a Masters in Italian Literature. Flora was an active member of the Italian Club at UW-Madison. There, she met her future husband, Joe Calabrese, an Italian-American who was studying Chemistry at UW. Flora and Joe were married on July 9th, 1977. They moved to California before settling in Wilmington in 1980, where they resided together until their deaths.
Flora was a passionate and dedicated teacher of the Italian language and Italian culture. She taught at the University of Delaware, Temple University, West Chester University, and Delaware County Community College, as well as in private lessons for adults and children, and in workshops and summer camps. Flora was a member of the International Women’s Club, the American Association of University Women, the National Italian American Foundation, and the Order Sons of Italy Giuseppe Verdi Lodge. She loved art, architecture, and music. She was a lifelong supporter of Opera Delaware and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Flora was the heart of her family and brought joy to all who knew her. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend who never hesitated to put the needs of others before her own. She is survived by her son, Mauro, her daughter-in-law, Katherine, her grandchildren, Flora and George; her brothers- and sisters-in-law John and Franca Liotine, Giulio and Flora Liotine, and Jim Bendo and Sarah Bruce; her cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her many friends. Flora was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Joe, who passed away on August 4th, 2024.
A combined visitation for Flora and Joe will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Willington, DE 19803. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 14th at 10:50 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.
