August 28, 1942 - May 08, 2022
Elisa Righetti Parises was born in 1942 to Luigi and Adele Righetti, Italian immigrants from San Giacomo, Italy. They settled in Half Moon Bay to farm, before moving to Stockton to raise their family. Elisa was the fourth of 4 children, and tragically lost her mother at the age of two months old. Elisa attended local grammar schools, graduated from Lodi High School and in 1960, married the love of her life, Dan Parises. She met him at an Italian Club dance at Micke Grove. Dan later braved the introduction to her father, Luigi, who had his shotgun in hand, and the rest was history. They had two children, Angela and Paul. Elisa worked by Dan’s side throughout their lives. Whether it was farming, public service, politics, the fruit stand or the wine business, they worked hard together. After Dan passed away, Elisa started a basket business, creating amazing gift baskets that were donated to non-profit events on behalf of the Bank of Stockton. She took great pride in her work.
Elisa was artistic, vibrant, smart and direct. She enjoyed life with her friends, her family and especially her grandchildren, where she imparted old-fashioned values and the importance of family. She had the Righetti family genes, so it was only natural that she was hard-working, stubborn, loyal beyond measure, fiercely protective of those she loved, tougher than nails, and positive beyond imagination. Her strong faith, feisty disposition (especially when it came to politics) and love of people and conversation made it fun to be around her. She was appreciative of the smallest things and enjoyed every minute of life, whether it was easy or difficult.
On May 8th, Elisa passed away with her children and best friend, Penny, by her side. She was a true warrior who battled ovarian and breast cancer over 15 years like a lion. She made the best of every day and never lost hope. Throughout her life, she always wished she could know her mother. With Elisa’s passing, this mother-daughter reunion in Heaven after 79 years of being apart is a joyous thought.
The family would like to thank dear friends, Penny Giordano and Jeff McLean; Elisa’s brothers, Ray (Nancy) and Reno (Linda) Righetti; Stanford Cancer Center: Dr.Teng; Dr. Sledge, Dr. Dirbas; Dr. Zaky and Nurse Practitioner, Kathy Smith; Dr. Eldaly; Hospice of San Joaquin and Father Pete Sotiras of St. Basil’s.
Elisa is preceded in death by her parents, Luigi and Adele Righetti; in-laws, Simeon and Angelike Parises; sister, Lina Caffese Cutter; husband, Dan Parises; brothers-in-law, Gus and Nick Parises. She is survived by her loving brothers, Ray (Nancy) Righetti; Reno (Linda) Righetti; children, Angela (Jim) Brusa; Paul (Kristie) Parises; grandchildren, Gianna (Vasili) Veziris; Giovanni (Lucy) Brusa; Sophia Parises; Marley (Rachel) Andres; Logan Andres; and her great grandson, Leonidas Panagis Veziris, as well as other extended family members.
Trisagion Wednesday, May 18th, 6:00 p.m., St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church. Funeral Thursday, May 19th, 10:00 a.m., St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church. Private burial. Arrangements are being handled by Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 920 W. March Lane, Stockton, Ca. 95207, Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, Ca., 95204 or the charity of your choice.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Parises family.
