Vernette Olivieri

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Vaughnie Olivieri, 79, Moorhead, MN, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at MeritCare Palliative Care Unit, Fargo, ND, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Vaughnie was born July 30, 1929, in Mayville, ND, to Archie and Gladys (Miller) Nelson. They lived in the Clifford and Galesburg, ND, area, along with Vaughnie's older sister, Geneve "Bobbie". World War II brought the family to Hastings, NE, where Vaughnie and Gladys worked in the ammunition plant to support the war effort.
Years later the family moved to Fargo, where Vaughnie met Joseph Olivieri of Dilworth, MN. They danced and laughed for many years, finally getting married on January 31, 1957, at St. Joseph Church in Moorhead. They had four children, Linda, Dino, Mario, and Gio.
Vaughnie loved the lakes and she loved to fish. She was able to master the many artistic activities she tried, including china painting, Norwegian hardanger, clay figurines, macramé, sewing, and ceramic dolls. Other activities she loved were cards, dancing, shopping with the girls, and of course the poker machine.
Vaughnie is lovingly survived by her husband, Joseph; four children, Linda (Mike) Patterson, Eden Prairie, MN, Dino (Lisa) Olivieri, Moorhead, Mario (Elaine) Olivieri, Fargo, and Gio (Jeff) Cerise, Ramsey, MN; twelve grandchildren, Tony and Lindsey Patter
Vaughnie was preceded in death by her sister, Geneve McFarlane; and her parents, Archie and Gladys Nelson.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family prefers memorials to Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Vaughnie's family would also like to thank the Palliative Care Unit at MeritCare South as well as Hospice of the Red River Valley for the wonderful care they showed Vaughnie in her final days.
A memorial celebration will be Friday, September 19, 2008, from 7 - 9 PM, at the Speak Easy Restaurant, 1001 30th Ave. S., Moorhead.