Dora Rastelli Croce

Dora Rastelli Croce, of Nashville, Tenn., died peacefully in Johnson City, Tenn., on April 20, 2019.
She was born in 1923, or “1933” as she playfully professed, in Wilmington, Del., and raised in Paulsboro, N.J.
A 1940 graduate of Paulsboro High School, Dora married Alexander B. Croce of Paulsboro, N.J. in 1952. Their three children were born in N.J., and the young family relocated to Madison, Tenn., in 1960.
Dora was an active member of St. Joseph Church in Madison and a tireless volunteer and officer for many years at the Ladies of Charity Nashville. She enjoyed being a proofreader for the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1974-96.
Dora is survived by her three children, Joan C. Grim (Richard D. Grim), Knoxville, Tenn.; Jean C. Hemphill (William K. Hemphill), Johnson City, Tenn.; and Martin A. Croce (Celine W. Croce), Memphis, Tenn. She was the loving grandmother of four grandchildren, Michael (Kathryn) and Benjamin Hemphill and Matthew and Patrick Croce; her great grandchild Lyla Hemphill; and 29 nieces and nephews. She is survived by her sisters, Jean R. Wachter (N.J.), Rita R. Gallagher (N.J.), and brothers, Italo P. Rastelli (N.C.) and Anthony D. Rastelli (Fla.).
Dora is now reunited with her loving husband of 56 years, Alex; her grandson, Matthew; sister, Lilia R. Trueax (Texas); and brother, John D. Rastelli (N.J.).
She was lovingly devoted to her family, her friends and Notre Dame football.
Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ladies of Charity Nashville, 2216 State Street, Nashville, TN 37203 or the Johnson City Downtown Day Center, 202 West Fairview Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37604.