Dora Liberata Schultz

Dora Liberata Schultz, age 84, passed away in her garden, doing what she loved best; watering and nurturing her flower beds, July 17, 2020.

Dora was born in Pescara, Italy. Dora met her future husband, Gordon Schultz, where she worked in a café in Italy when she was 20 years old, while he was serving in Italy as a member of the United States Army; her knight in shining armor. They married on October 14, 1956, in Trieste, Italy, moving to Menasha WI in 1958 with their first daughter. Together they shared fifty-six years raising their two daughters, fishing and gardening. Dora was widowed when Gordon died on January 29, 2013, leaving our mother alone with only her two daughters living out of state. Her eldest daughter moved back to Menasha in 2015 to reconnect and take care of her.

She was the epitome of Italian culture and cuisine. We loved making her laugh as she would double over busting out in a laugh that was the most heartwarming sound we’ve ever heard. We were so, so proud of her. The cutest little Italian with a thick accent that she held till the end. She was beloved by everyone she came in contact with.

She spent much of her free time reading Italian authors, listening to the classical artists such as Bach and Beethoven while indulging in a glass of wine or two. She loved old movies and her beloved late cat, Blackie. She loved fishing for trout and cooking up special Italian tortellini for her daughters’ birthdays.

Dora is survived by her two daughters: Patricia Schultz of Clintonville, WI and Barbara Schultz of Sedona, AZ; a brother: Nino and his wife Bruna and their two beautiful sons: Paolo and Bruno. Her mother and father passed away in Italy before she was 8 years old, and was raised by her father’s two daughters of a previous marriage.

She loved living in the USA and would never go back to Italy. She will be cremated and thrown to the wind over her beloved garden and flower beds by her daughters at the home she loved so dearly. She always said, “I will die here. I will never go into a nursing home”. Bless her heart, she made that happen.

Mama, we will love you forever and will miss you with a passion. – Patty, and Barb.