Adeline Bordonaro

98, was born on April 11, 1914 in Beaumont, Texas. She passed away in Houston, Texas on September 14, 2012. She was born to Giovanni Mazzara and Rosalia Colombo, who were originally from Scoglitti Sicily, Italy, and lived in Port Arthur, Galveston and Houston, Texas. She attended High School and Business College, and Houston School of Horology (watch making). In 1939 she was the first certified female watchmaker in Texas. Adeline trained for aircraft instrument repair in San Antonio and later recruited and trained women at Ellington Field during WWII. Adeline was also an instructor at Houston School of Horology after the war.

Adeline met and married Chris Bordonaro in 1946 and opened Chris’s Watch Shop in downtown Houston. She was a homemaker for many years.

Adeline was active in many Catholic Parishes, singing in the choirs. She also enjoyed painting, gardening and discussing politics.

The family would like to acknowledge Doctor Geraldine Gossard and Doctor Dale Moquist for their compassionate care of Adeline as well as the owner of Optimum Personal Care, Mr. Bobby English and the entire OPC staff and the Vitas Hospice Care Team.

Adeline was preceded in death by her parents, Giovanni and Rosalia Mazzara and six siblings, Josephine Sigona, Angeline Babb, Rosalie Davis, Vincent Mazzara, Joe Mazzara and Salvador Mazzara,

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Chris Bordonaro, Daughter LaNelle Riga and her husband Carmelo Riga, Grandchildren Francesco Riga and his wife Susan, Carla Riga Lo Schiavo and her husband Danilo Lo Schiavo. Adeline had 4 Great-Grandchildren, Alyssa Riga, Haily Riga, Danica Lo Schiavo and Dylan Lo Schiavo

Pallbearers are; Carmelo Riga (Son in law),Francesco Riga (grandson),Danilo Lo Schiavo (Grandson Son in Law), Ben Mazzara (cousin), David Limerick (family friend), Sergio Ochoa (family friend)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or the Alzheimer Association, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.