Elena Priley

Elena Maria Priley (DeCaro), 94, of Duluth, passed away peacefully, while surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at St. Luke’s hospital.

Elena was born in Naples, Italy on January 11th, 1925. She came to the United States as a war bride in 1946, after marrying the love of her life, Frank. She enjoyed her life in Duluth where she raised her family. She devoted her life to her children, friends and family. Together Elena and Frank owned and operated Villa Capri Italian Pizzerias from 1967 until 1980. Elena provided her loving touch to many of the special dishes.  Everyone she met, felt her lovable, witty and sometimes sassy personality. She had a passion for shoes, fashion and her beautiful country of Italy. Her adorable Italian accent and wonderful cooking will be missed.

Elena was preceded in death by her husband Frank, father Giovanni, mother Concietta, her brother Angelo of Duluth and siblings from Italy, Enza, Maria, Nina, Alfredo and son- in- law Dave Smith of Superior. Her last surviving sibling, her sister Lia, passed away in Italy only hours after Elena died.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Maria DeCaro; daughters Marcia (Dave) Otterson, Linda Smith; son Frank (Ann) Priley; daughters Gloria (Jay) Smith and Julie (Jim) Davern; her grandchildren: Troy Otterson, Jodi (Tom) Keller, April (Ryan) Rennquist, Dena (RC) Boheim, Eric Smith, Nick (Christina) Smith, Andy (Diana) Smith, Guy Priley, Anissa Priley, Chris (Kelli) Priley, Jamie (Steve) Foreman, Anthony (Heather) Smith, Angela Davern, Marisa Davern; 28 great-grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews. Elena, your memory will live in our hearts forever.

The family would like to give special thanks to all the amazing people that cared for Elena over the past two years, especially Dr. Long, Dr. Witta and all the special nurses and aids who always welcomed her with hugs and kisses. We are forever grateful.

VISITATION: Friday, November 15th from 10-11am, followed by the funeral service at 11am at St. John's Church, 4230 St. John's Ave, Duluth. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to American Heart Association or Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555