Artemisi (Meraja) Dudo, 91, of Worcester died Tuesday, December 30th in St. Vincent Hospital. Her husband of 64 years, Thanas Dudo died in 2017. She leaves two sons, George Dudo and his wife, Lida, and Ligor Dudo and his wife, Ornela; two daughters, Natasha Cani and her husband, Gjergji, and Efti Thimo and her husband Kosta Thimo; a sister, Pavlina Gjylapi; eight grandchildren, Elton Cani, Tamis Dudo, Arda Kerleshi, Oli Hanna and her husband, James, Thanas Dudo, Kristi Thimo, Theo Thimo and Nicholas Dudo; seven great grandchildren, Avery Thimo, Franceska and George Cani, Kaylie and Jacob Kerleshi, Audrey Hanna and James Hanna, III; Alongside many nieces and nephews.
She was born in Korce, Albania the daughter of Kristaq and Ksanthipi (Mele) Meraja. Artemisi worked for many years in a textile factory as a skilled loom operator. In 1994, she immigrated to the United States with her loving husband. Starting a new chapter for their family, Artemsi was devoted to the two most important parts of her life; family and faith.She was a member of St. Mary Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, where she continued to be a part of the ever growing Albanian community in Worcester.
Artemisi’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. Throughout her long, loving life, she could be seen with either a grandchild or great grandchild in her arms. They were the center of her world. She had a deep love for flowers, as tending to them and watching them bloom was one of her greatest joys. Gardening emphasized her motherly spirit that came natural to her.
Artemisi talents did not end with just gardening. It also transcended to her love of cooking and knitting. Artemisi was a generous cook. She took great pride in preparing traditional Albanian meals for her family. Knowing it would bring everyone together, these meals preserved their heritage and their memories of her. There is a saying, “A grandma knits love into every garment”, and that was ever so apparent when she hand knitted and wove special blankets for all 8 of her grandchildren upon their birth.
She will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her resilient spirit, and the love she shared with all who knew her.
Her funeral is Thursday, January 8th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street (please go directly to church). Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday, January 7th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue.