Angela Neary

Angie, “Nonni,” passed away peacefully surrounded by her adoring family and so much love. Born in Walla Walla, WA to Francesco “Paul” Torretta and Dominica “Maria” Mianini Torretta, she grew up one of five children on a Walla Walla sweet onion farm in a close Italian community. They also grew asparagus, rising before dawn in the spring to harvest it before walking to school. She joked it was a long time before she could ever eat asparagus. But life was happy, and their home was the gathering place of family and lifelong friends to enjoy wonderful meals and dance in the living room.

She met George Neary on a blind date and they married June 6, 1954. They lived in Spokane, WA, Walla Walla, WA, Mt. Home, ID, and Orlando, FL before settling in Bellevue, WA in 1966 where they raised their five children. Angie worked at PNW Bell (now Lumen) until her second son was born, and went back to work there when the kids were teenagers, making many friends who continued to gather for monthly lunches for years after she retired in 1993. She worked non-stop maintaining the house, managing her kids, and working the late shift, but always had time to sit and have a cup of coffee with her dear neighbor friends. Angie endured the loss of George in 1982 when she was only 48 years young and the gutting loss of her son Matt in 2001. But she created a wonderful life on her own, focused on her family and her greatest joy – her grandchildren, to whom she walked on water. She was ever present in their lives, attending all their events, joining Disneyland trips, hosting sleepovers and Rummikub matches, and making their favorite foods. They all knew her special love for them.

Angie began cooking for pleasure after years of getting the family dinner on the table and packing lunches, and was known for her amazing meals. Each Christmas she made a large batch of her mother-in-law’s stollen bread, sharing loaves with family members. Her ravioli and meatball dinners, made from her parent’s recipes, are legendary. She hosted all the family birthdays and celebrations in her beautiful home, built by her oldest son Paul, on property in Bellevue she and George bought many years earlier. She traveled often - to Italy several times, meeting her relatives; Hawaii; cruising with her daughters and friends; touring the US and Europe; and always to her beloved Walla Walla to see family and friends. She loved her rose garden, attending the PNW Ballet, Seattle Opera and Village Theater, listening to and attending the concerts of Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli and Il Divo, and shopping – things she was able to enjoy after raising kids!

Angie was a softspoken, selfless, and generous soul, proud of her Italian heritage, who passed on her hardworking spirit to each of her children. She was a cherished Nonni and friend to many.

Angie is survived by her children Paul (Sue), Amy, Marie (Dave), Ed, grandchildren Victoria (Anee), Cedar (Kaeden), Ryan (Mcklyn), Benjamin, Lauren, Brooke, and her brother David Torretta. She is preceded by her husband George, son Matt, brothers Albert and Louis Torretta, and sister Caroline Hickey.

Services will be held Friday, June 9th, 11:00am at St. Louise Parish, Bellevue. Reception and burial to follow. Her family would like to thank all the caregivers at River Valley AFH, especially Leyu. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Angie’s name to the charity of your choice.