Flora Theresa Della Lucia Bukovitz, 96, of St. John XXIII Home, Hermitage, formerly of Colver, PA, and Sharpsville, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 11, 2018, with her daughters by her side.

Flora was born October 21, 1921, in Fairpoint, Ohio, while her parents, Luigi & Theresa (Parissenti) Della Lucia were enroute from Agordo, Italy, to Salt Lake City. She was orphaned at the age of five and eventually moved to Colver to be raised by her mother's sister, Maria Cavatoni.  Flora attended schools in Salt Lake and Colver.  She spoke and wrote Italian and English fluently and stayed in close touch with her family in Agordo.

While in Colver, she met Thomas "Slim" Bukovitz, and they married in June 1939. They raised two daughters, Sandy & Diana, and shared 52 happy years together.

Flora's work ethic is legendary, and she was not one to tolerate slothfulness. She worked at Joann Dress Factory and retired from the Ebensburg State Hospital, where she lovingly cared for her patients.  Having lived through the Great Depression, Flora was also thrifty and saved everything from Ziploc baggies to aluminum foil. A determined shopper, she knew the best deals at every grocery store.

When Tom passed away in 1991, Flora moved to Sharpsville and joined Notre Dame Church in Hermitage. Her hobbies were bingo, going to the Salvation Army, & metal detecting. Flora was a baker extraordinaire. From her sour cream cookies to her pizzelles, if you were lucky enough to get a baggie of her goodies, you knew you were loved. And make no mistake, Flora's social calendar was always full!

Flora embraced life and was fiercely proud, protective, and loving of her family.  She is survived by her daughters: Sandy and Frank Martuccio, Jr, (Hermitage), and Diana and Robert Serres (Houston).  Her grandchildren, upon whom she had a huge influence:  Christine Martuccio & husband Sam Mowrey (Sharon), Jennette (Rob) Swatsworth (Hermitage), Barbara Jean Dillingham (Houston), Michelle (Kent) Beckert (Albuquerque), Kenneth (Misty) Serres (Houston), Aimee (Chad) Whitsell (ABQ), Teresa Martuccio and significant other Christopher St. Pierre (Pittsburgh).  Her great-grandchildren, who cherished her: Luciano & Marina Flora Tomasello, Reese & Riley Swatsworth, Derek & Domenique Dillingham, Aerin & Ashlin Beckert, Leir Martuccio, Madison, Corrine, and Channing Whitsell.  She also leaves her cousins, with whom she was raised as a sister, Theresa Banfield and Edith Zawiskie, and her niece Teresa Marie Zawiskie, who was so dear. Her cherished sister-in-law, Teresa Della Lucia and special nephew, Michael (Detroit); her "adopted" family, Emil, Maria, Emily, Alicia, and Gerald Koledin; and many nieces, nephews, & cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom; her brother, Alex "Nino"; her beloved granddaughter, MaryAnn Martuccio; and aunt Maria & uncle Tullio Cavatoni, who raised her; and Roland Cavatoni.

Flora lived life with passion, strength, determination, and most of all love. She had 96 years of happiness enveloped in adventures, traditions, and fun. The stories and laughs she leaves with her family and friends will be forever in our hearts.

The family wishes to thank St. John XXIII, Dr. D'Auria, and Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 660 Fisher Hill, Sharon, PA 16146 or Notre Dame Church, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148 .

Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 13, 2018 , in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon .  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com .

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 14, 2018 , in the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, with Very Rev. Richard Allen, E.V., pastor, as celebrant.  Entombment: Holy Name Mausoleum, Ebensburg, Pa.