Dorothy A. (Polifko) Torretti

Dorothy A. Torretti, a long time resident of Stump Creek and Sykesville, passed away at Centre Care near State College, PA, on February 2. She was born March 7, 1926 in Sykesville, PA, the daughter of Michael Polifko and Susan (Nalepa) Polifko. A 1944 graduate of Sykesville High School, she married William A. Torretti, aka Cutty, on July 20, 1946, and had six children with him.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, brother Michael Polifko, Jr., brother John Polifko, sister Martha Stuck, and son Gary Torretti.

She is survived by sister Mary Godek (DuBois, PA), sister Helen Marie Lantz (San Antonio, TX), son Dennis Torretti & wife Mary Kay (Lewisburg, PA), daugher-in-law Valerie Torretti (State College, PA), daughter Paula Myers & husband Charles (Sterling, VA), son James Torretti & wife Terry Eckard (Westminster, MD), son William M. Torretti & wife Kat Alden (State College, PA), son Mark Torretti & wife Lynn (Lemont, PA), ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

She dedicated her life to her family, both immediate and extended. Nothing was more important to her or provided her more joy than family gatherings and holiday celebrations at which memories were created for several generations. Of special note were the annual Torretti Family Reunions every summer and the traditional Slovak/Polish Christmas Eve dinner that she and sister Mary Godek have maintained for over 60 years. She was a beloved Nanny who spent many days and weeks tending her grandchildren.

For many years, she and good friend Dorothy Bembenic catered weddings and other events; their Polish golumpki (aka cabbage rolls or pigs-in-a-blanket) and pasta with meatballs were loved by all.

Active and vigorous throughout her life, she enjoyed walking for most of her senior years, and could often be seen walking around Sykesville or mowing her own lawn, even as she approached age 90. Polka music brought a smile to her face, and she never missed an opportunity to polka with her children, relatives or friends.

She had a very strong faith in God and was an active member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Sykesville, where she served as a Lecter and was a member of the Rosary Society. She was a member of many organizations, including First Catholic Slovak Union #322 (President), Italian Sons & Daughters of America, Princess Marie Lodge, Catholic Daughters of America, American Legion Auxiliary, and Christ the King Manor Auxiliary. She also served many years as inspector and judge on the Henderson Township election board, and volunteered at Penn Highlands Hospital and at hospice care.

Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, and 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Thursday, February 9, at the Leo Nedza Funeral Home in Sykesville, with a rosary recital at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m Thursday at the Assumption of the B.V.M. Church with Father Benjamin Daghir as celebrant.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 800-822-6344, or ALS Therapy Development Institute, 617-441-7200. Online condolences can be made at www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com .

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