Sofia Dire Healy

Obituary Sofia DiRe Healy Sofia DiRe Healy passed peacefully away on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 in Tacoma, Washington, at the age of 93. She had been a resident of Tobey Jones Retirement Community since 2009. Sadly, the last mile of her life's journey was marked with the loss of a beloved son, a sorrow she carried with dignity and faith into her own tranquility. There was no one more imbued with the American Dream than Sofia. She will be remembered as an indomitable spirit whose vision reached to the stars with blazing optimism. Sofia embraced opportunity and achievement with tireless passion and a beautiful smile. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest joy and she was utterly proud of them and their accomplishments. Sofia delighted in making them smile and lived for their visits. She was born Sofia Antonette Crivellone in Anaconda, Montana, to Anthony and Carmelia Crivellone, when she was three, the family moved to Tacoma. Sofia enjoyed the camaraderie of a close knit Italian immigrant community and took an avid interest in her heritage. She liked learning the language and songs and how to cook special dishes. Sofia attended Visitation Catholic School and graduated from St. Leo's High School in 1937. She won an all-city essay contest while there and treasured the commendation she received from the city newspaper. Soon after, she met the handsome Guy DiRe during a family visit to Anaconda. They became engaged and were married at Visitation Church in 1938. An accomplished seamstress, Sofia made her wedding gown, one of many gowns and dresses and tailored shirts she would make for herself and her family. Guy went to work for Northern Pacific and their first son, Nicholas, was born in 1941. They purchased a home and Anthony was born in 1943. Sofia worked as a receptionist, legal secretary, bookkeeper, doctor's assistant and a claims adjuster. When a large property became available close by, she and Guy purchased it and Sofia became a general contractor. She subdivided the parcel, and researched and negotiated the construction of a new residence. By 1960, they owned a new house and a triplex on an adjacent parcel in addition to the first house. The beautiful new brick home became a hub of family activity, especially at Christmas, Sofia's favorite holiday. We who enjoyed the exquisite feasts are grateful for the memories. After both sons graduated from Dental School, Sofia pursued her youthful ambition, became a licensed beautician and opened Sofia's Smart Set. She had fun styling hair and enjoyed the ambiance and friendships made at her bustling shop. Years later, she became the manager of a new energy assistance program under the auspices of the Pierce County Community Action Agency. She liked speaking to senior groups and had compassion for those whom the program was intended to help. In 1988, nearly 50 years after they were married, Guy, was critically injured and died three weeks later. In 1990 Sofia married Judge James P. Healy. They enjoyed travelling and socializing with friends till his passing in 2007. Sofia was preceded in death by her son Dr. Nicholas DiRe in 2011. Also preceding her in death were her brother, Oresto Crivellone and sister, Margherit Ceccanti. She is survived by her son, Dr. Tony DiRe, Seattle; Julie DiRe, (Nick's wife), Gig Harbor; sister in law, Jean Crivellone, Tacoma; grandchildren, Nicholas (Nicole) DiRe, Jr. Seattle, Dr. Christopher (Barbara) DiRe, Seattle, Elizabeth (Ian) Hartley, Seattle; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Claudia, Sienna, Marco, Jack and Ella; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and her dear friend and companion Sandra Duncan. The family would like to thank the staff and doctors at St. Joseph Hospital for all their love, care and support. Sofia will be remembered in a short Mass at 4:00pm Sunday, Nov. 25th at St. Rita's Catholic Church, Italian buffet following at 1403 So. Ainsworth Ave. Tacoma, WA 98403. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.