Lillie LaSpina Nov. 30, 1923 – Oct. 23, 2021
Wife, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, passed away peacefully at the age of 97.
Born in Naro, Sicily, (Italy), Lillie and her family moved to the United States at a young age. She lived in Manhattan and later after marriage moved to The Bronx. After her children matured, Lillie and her husband moved to Yonkers to be closer to her husband's salon business.
Lillie was the sister to Joseph Priolo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie, of 60 years. She was a loving wife and devoted mother to her 4 children, Ross LaSpina (Mary), James LaSpina (Susan), Joan Sabatino (Casper), and Laura Belliveau (Dave).
She was a Grandmother to Melissa Ann Riccardi (Mike), James Michael LaSpina (Kerry), Nicole Marie LaSpina, Tiffany Rose Roesing (Eddie), Gregory Ross LaSpina, Elliot Charles LaSpina, Kimberly Denise Belliveau and Daniel Gerard Belliveau, Great-Grandmother to James Michael LaSpina III, Michaela Grace Riccardi, Adeline Mary Roesing, and Brielle Rose LaSpina.
Our mother was a talented Italian cook and homemaker, busy raising her 4 children to focus on the importance of a good education. She will always be remembered for her cooking especially her delicious braciole, perfectly baked cheesecake, her famous “chocolate balls” and for her Easter holiday deep-fried sfingi – always wanting you to eat more! In the kitchen her hands were never still. We'd often have to beg her to finally sit down alongside us to eat and nobody left her house hungry.
She enjoyed going to the city with her husband Charlie to see a Broadway matinee and took full advantage of shopping at her favorite store, Bloomindale's. The tradition continued when discovering the Elmsford Dinner Theater was even closer to home.
Mom was a strong woman who was determined to have things her way. Countless times Dad would re-do her hair until it was exactly what she wanted. Taking pride in her appearance, she'd strut the latest stilettos and jewelries in her prime. Always impeccably dressed for the occasion, her style was elegant and classic yet fashion forward.
After 60 years of marriage, Mom has now joined our Dad, Charlie. They had a collaborative and caring relationship. It was based on mutual support and a deep love for each other.
“Say not in grief 'Lillie is no more' but in thankfulness that she was” - (Hebrew Proverb). Mom, we will continue to celebrate your life in all that we do. We are so grateful to have had you as our parent.
For the past 9 years, Mom resided at the Schervier Nursing Center. Special thanks to the staff there for their welcoming arms, heart-warming attention and endless care for our Mom.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 3-6 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY. Mass will be 10:30 am Thursday, October 28, 2021, at St. Margaret of Cortona Church. Entombment Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne NY.
Due to COVID restrictions, masks are suggested, and time is restricted.