Carmelina Josephine (Papa) DaVia

Carmelina Josephine DaVia (nee Papa) was called to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family. Carmelina was born in Wilmington, Delaware to Pietro and Domenica Papa; she was the sixth of 12 children. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Joseph E. DaVia.  She is survived by her children, Stephanie Marcil; Joseph DaVia (wife Heather); Dorina Keffer (husband David); grandchildren, Stephen Marcil (wife Liz); Jennifer Beales (husband Matthew); Lauren McLaughlin (husband Timothy); Matthew Keffer; Sarah DaVia; John DaVia, and great grandchildren Hannah Marcil, Luke Marcil, and Leah Beales. She is also survived by brothers Marco Papa, Domenic Papa; and sisters Jennie May and Anita Clark. Her family and serving others brought her the greatest joy.

Carmelina graduated from Ursuline Academy Catholic School in 1951. She worked for the Dupont Company, married in 1957, and spent many years in Maryland raising her family. Carmelina lovingly worked for many years at Montessori Pre-Schools in Columbia, MD and Landenberg, PA; she so enjoyed teaching the children and they loved her back! 

Carmelina had a very strong faith and relationship with the Lord and loved sharing that gift with others. With her sister Jennie, she shared that gift with the sick and elderly during many home visits. Carmelina remained very active into her 80’s and she always enjoyed walking with her family. She was a fabulous Italian cook and lovingly prepared special homemade food for her family including ravioli, lasagna, pizza, gnocchi, and a variety of soups. Her specially baked Italian cookies and pastries were of absolute delight to her adoring grandchildren. These baked goods and breads were also her gift to those in need within the community.

Carmelina loved reading the Bible, attending prayer meetings, and spending much time in devotion and prayer for so many.  She especially loved gathering the family together at Bethany Beach for 20 years. Serving others and sharing the Lord brought her the greatest joy.

Carmelina was a loving, kind, and gentle spirit; she will be dearly missed.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 9:00 am, at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 901 N. Dupont Street, Wilmington, DE.  Internment will follow Mass in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to:

Bridging Life Hospice – Development Office 200 Memorial Avenue Westminster, Maryland  21157

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