Elva Baldelli Zaffini, 89, a longtime resident of Needham and Mattapoisett, died at home in Mattapoisett on April 14, 2010. She had fought a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born in Needham on April 30, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Julia and Giacomo Baldelli of Pesaro, Italy. She was the beloved wife of the late Alfred Zaffini. She is survived by her children, Judith Fiske, wife of the late Paul Fiske, of Mattapoisett, James Zaffini and his wife Suzanne of Titusville, Florida, and "special son" Carl Cardinali of Needham who grew up with Judy and Jim. She was the adoring grandmother of Lindsey Fiske of San Diego, CA, Ryan Fiske and his wife Laurie of Gainesville, FL, Jeffrey Zaffini and his longtime companion of Jacksonville, FL, and Steven Zaffini and his wife Margaret of Natick. She was the doting great-grandmother of Haylee and Alec Fiske of Gainesville, FL. She was the sister of the late Lido and Henry Baldelli, also of Needham. She had many nieces and nephews, especially loved by Leni Lee Baldelli Buttrick and her husband David, Glen Baldelli, Lauren Baldelli Carney and her husband John, and Kimberly Baldelli Simard and her husband Kevin.
Elva graduated from Needham High School where she enjoyed tennis and art, and cultivated many enduring friendships. Elva worked as a stitcher at ACE Leather from 1940-1943 and retired at age 55 on April 30, 1975 from Calvert's Department Store in Needham Heights where she spent many fond days working as a salesperson. "The Girls" were a group of loyal friends who grew up together and stood by each other through thick and thin over the years. On a regular basis, "The Girls" were invited to each other's homes for coffee and dessert and a chance to catch up on each other's news.
The family would like to thank the following staffs for all their loving care and assistance, Community Nurse & Hospice Care of Fairhaven, Friendly Harbor Day Care Center in Fairhaven, and St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.
At her request, services are private. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.