Letizia Mary Graziano, 92, known as "Tish" to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 5, 2007 at Mercy Hospital Medical Center with her family at her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday October 10, 2007 at Tonini Chapel, with a 7 p.m. Rosary Service.

Letizia was born to Donato and Blanche Paveglio in Albia, Iowa on September 19, 1915. She was a graduate of Albia High School, played basketball, and worked in her mother's store, Paveglio Grocery.

Letizia married Albert Graziano February 4, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois. They settled in Des Moines, where Tish was a homemaker and worked alongside her husband at their stores; Park-and-Shop and DeYoung's Meat Market.

She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church; she enjoyed cooking and baking traditional Italian foods for her family and friends, and hosting family gatherings. Her good nature and unconditional love were inspirational to all who knew her.

Letizia will be missed by her husband of 67 years, Albert; her children, Louis (Karen), Albert, Donald (Audrey), Peter (Connie) and Joseph (Christy); and son-in-law Michael Klinge; 18 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Madeline Rose Klinge; her Brothers, Don and Pete Paveglio; a sister, Margaret Pickett; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Sue Graziano.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Church Foundation.