Julia "Dolly" (Tavani) Papili

Julia “Dolly” Tavani Papili, 83, of Wilmington, Delaware peacefully passed away surrounded by her beloved family on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.

Dolly was born in Wilmington on May 5, 1934, daughter of the late Henry and Margaret (Frati) Tavani, and was a graduate of St. Elizabeth High School, class of 1952.  A loving and devoted homemaker, she took great pride in caring for her family and opening her home to many neighbors and friends.  She was a talented cook, having enjoyed many family dinners and holiday gatherings.  Dolly especially looked forward to annual family vacations in Wildwood.  She was a long time, dedicated member of St. Elizabeth Church and was involved in many parish activities throughout the years.

Her beloved husband of 55 years, Louis A. Papili, Sr., passed away on December 17, 2012.

Dolly will be dearly missed by her children, Louis A., Jr. and wife, Mary Ellen, Marie “Sis” Corrigan and husband, Barry, Joseph A. and wife, Mary Ann, Mark A., and Paul A. and wife, Jodi; her grandchildren, Matthew, Brittany, Nicholas, Caitlin, Paulina, Victoria, Luke, Julie, Laura, PJ, Annie and Elise; her great grandchildren, Brianna, Matthew Jr., Serafina, Tiffany and Jackson.  She is also survived by her sisters, Catherine Ruhl, Margaret Jones and husband, Albert; many nieces, nephews and their families; her granddogs, Nico, Gunnar, Sadie, Eleanor and Sophie.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Sunday, February 25 from 2:00-5:00PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Church, Cedar and Clayton Streets, Wilmington on Monday, February 26 at 10:00AM.  Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dolly may be made to St. Elizabeth Church, 809 S. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19805.

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