Elvira Mary D'Amore

Born September 1, 1921 in Stamford, Connecticut to Gerardo and Maria Persechino. Married William M. D’Amore on June 29, 1946. Mother or three sons; William, Gerald, and Vincent. Grandmother to Christopher and Matthew, with numerous great- grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter. Elvira was an expert seamstress, sewing wedding gowns and bridesmaid and mother’ of the bride dresses for countless weddings. She also sewed custom shirts, gowns and cocktail dresses and children’s clothes. In addition, Vera was equally talented in the kitchen. As the youngest of thirteen children, Vera helped with meal preparations and learned the art of baking.

When the family moved to Newport Beach, in 1961, Vera picked up right where she left off by quickly making a name for herself as a seamstress. Never advertising, all by word-of mouth, there was a steady stream of customers at the front door.

Vera and her husband were deeply involved in the Sons-of Italy Lodge in Costa Mesa. They had many dear friends and all had happy times at the lodge meeting. The best times were “Game Nite” and the best attendance was when Vera was scheduled for preparing dinner. Always a packed house and never any leftovers. William and Vera held various offices in the lodge until the Costa Mesa Lodge was combined with that of Santa Ana.

There was always the aroma of the fresh baked bread in the house, especially around Easter. Vera made dozens of loaves of Easter bread and would then call a special group of friends and neighbors to pick up their prize. Other holidays were honored with special cookies, cupcakes, pies or cakes. It is hard to imagine that such a petite woman could cook and bake such flavor and style.

After Vera’s husband passed, she became a volunteer at Hoag memorial hospital. She accepted every assignment and worked very hard to do the best possible job. There was always a smile and for some hospital staff, a nickname. It was always fun to watch the expression of concern on someone’s’ face change to a smile, when they saw the gift cart careening down the hall and then realized that Vera was deftly guiding this large cart. She was in her eighties and couldn’t see over the top. Although she started at Hoag later in her life, she volunteered for more than twenty years.

Vera passed on January 29, 2025 and will be laid to rest in a private ceremony.