Dora Rastello

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Dora Rastello, 97, passed on Tuesday evening, Nov. 27, 2018, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility where she resided the previous three years.

Her Lord called her to his side after many years of loving service, including hundreds of people blessed to be placed in her pathway. Dora completed her loving lifetime journey spreading God’s word and sharing goodness to all whom crossed her path.

Hers was a gentle soul. Deep into friendships and helping was the calling bestowed upon Dora throughout her lifetime. A middle child between brothers Geno and Reno, Dora never left Bessemer as did her brothers, after first establishing lives of responsibility within the area. Dora was proud to be of Italian descent, having numerous friends both within her nationality and otherwise. She was kind and caring and her life filled with and about good deeds for others.

Dora attended Washington School and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School with the Class of 1939. She never left Bessemer and worked to assist brother Reno attend college. Among her many jobs, she worked at the Sand Ray Bar, Sail Inn, the White Birch and Hunter’s Inn in Bessemer. She met hundreds of people along the way, many of whom remained her friend throughout their lifetimes.

Dora was married to Charlie Rastello in 1946. They had one child, James (Jimmy) Rastello, a loving and faithful son who lived next door to Dora and Charlie for some 30 years, before Charlie passed. Jimmy survives. Dora loved the Fourth of July and her home became a haven for others to gather as it was directly located on the parade route where many would enjoy pasties and coleslaw. Candidates running for office and other dignitaries would stop by to pay their respects.

Dora was a faithful member of St. Sebastian Catholic and attended Mass there until admitted to the Gogebic Medical Care Facility. She was an active and lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and served one term as its president, its secretary and for many years its treasurer. She loved all veterans and faithfully attended Memorial Day services at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Dora’s primary attribute was to provide both sunshine and a breath of fresh air to numerous people throughout her lifetime. She was noted for either sending or bringing small gifts to shut-ins, such as lottery tickets, caring cards, chocolates or other treats. She was blessed with long life to serve the Lord. Her job now complete, Dora now walks with the angels.