Mary Rizzardi

Rizzardi, Mary DeLano 8/29/1929 - 4/18/2021 Anacortes Mary DeLano Rizzardi, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, most recently residing in Anacortes, Washington, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Sunday morning, April 18, 2021. Mary was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on August 29, 1929 to Carl F. DeLano and Elizabeth Irene DeLano (Lane). Mary attended a one-room schoolhouse, Cooper District #5, and graduated from Western State High School and Western Michigan University. Mary was preceded in death by her sisters, Florence Gray and Martha Davis. Mary is survived by her three children and their spouses: John and Carmen Rizzardi of Seattle, WA; Mark and Tia Rizzardi of Marquette, MI, and Maria and Brian Craft of Anacortes, WA, her grandchildren: Peter Rizzardi of Los Angeles, CA; Giselle Rizzardi of Seattle, WA; Andrew Rizzardi (Chelsea Chen) of Yilan, Taiwan; Grant Rizzardi of Marquette, MI; Owen Craft of Bellingham, WA, and Emma Craft of Los Angeles, CA, and her great-grandson, Trathen Rizzardi of Yilan, Taiwan. Mary grew up on the DeLano family farm. The farm and her ancestors' homestead became part of the Kalamazoo Nature Center which was very dear to her heart. In 2000, in honor of five generations of her family, especially her grandchildren, Mary donated the funds to build an amphitheater to create a simple gathering place where all could experience nature. Mary managed the St. Luke's Thrift Shop in Kalamazoo for many years. She also maintained an antique booth in Lawton, MI. Mary enjoyed antiquing, collecting, reading and traveling. She was an accomplished artist in many mediums including drawing, painting, sculpting and crafting. Her wooden spool people were unique and clever masterpieces! In 2000, Mary moved to Port Townsend, WA to be closer to family and experience the Pacific Northwest. She enjoyed the many parades, festivals and activities. She was an avid supporter of the Pt. Townsend Film Festival and also volunteered at Centrum Foundation Performing Arts School workshops and the Rose Theatre. In 2013, Mary moved to Anacortes, WA and settled into her apartment at Chandler's Square, and later Lighthouse. She enjoyed thrift shopping, knitting stocking caps, picnics, and spending time with her daughter. A family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in Mary's honor be made to the Kalamazoo Nature Center. We will all miss our talented, witty, kind and beautiful Mary. To share memories of Mary, please sign the online guestbook at https://www.evanschapel.com Evans Funeral Chapel https://www.evanschapel.com