Samardza, 87 HARTLY- Dorothea A. (Tribuna) Samardza lost her battle with cancer on June 14, 2013. Born in Boston, Mass. on April 19, 1926, "Dot" married Emil J. Samardza of Staten Island, N.Y. on Nov. 22, 1951. Her husband, Emil, died in 2007. The family moved to Delaware from Boston with General Foods in 1964 and built a home in the Hartly area. Upon enrolling her children in public school, Dot became involved in the education system in Delaware. She was active in local and state PTA (now known as PTO) and served on the Capital School District board for 5 years, from 1970 – 1975. She was also involved in local politics for several years. She attended Boston's Burdett College for business and held a number of administrative jobs through the years. She retired from the Delaware Cooperative Extension at Delaware State University in 2001. Dot was also an accomplished seamstress. While still in Boston, she trained with Wolff-Fording, a retail costume company still known for its dance costumes. Dot worked on everything from curtains and clothing to wedding dresses and ballet tutus. She reconnected with her family in Boston over the last few years, beginning a tradition of annual reunions for both the Tribuna and DeCicco families. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine; and sons, Charles and John (Melanie). Burial will be private and there will be no viewing. Condolences may be sent to the family or Pippin Funeral Home at www.pippinfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Cancer Support Community Delaware or Delaware Hospice are suggested.