Obituary of Laura M. Lupica

Laura Marie Nardozza Lupica, 95, a lover of all things that life had to offer, went home to God peacefully on March 2, 2010 at Rome Memorial Hospital, after a brief illness, with her family by her side. She was born in Rome, NY on July 31, 1914, daughter of Maria Carmella Guglielmo and Nicola Nardozza. Laura was united in marriage to Charles A. Lupica on October 5, 1940, at St. John the Baptist Church in Rome, a marriage that lasted 50 years. Charles died in July 1991 Laura graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1932 and embarked on a wonderful journey of life which included many activities. She participated in the Agatha Players, a theater group during the 1930s. Laura was a former president of the Rome Garden Club, a member of the Rome Historical Society and an active parishioner of St. Peter's Church where she sang in the choir, and belonged to the Altar Rosary Society and Seniors Club. Prior to her marriage she was employed at the Rome State School as a secretary and also at Rome Manufacturing. She later worked as a teacher's aide in the Rome School District for several years. Laura was a lover of the written word and was a published author of poetry during World War II. She also lectured classes on creative writing. Most rewarding to her, was a book she authored in 1989 titled 'Up and Down the Street' about life growing up in an immigrant family in South Rome. Through it, she hoped to teach and remind future generations of the traditions, struggles and successes of immigrant families in America. Laura loved the natural beauty of Central New York, especially summers with her husband, at their camp on Hinckley Lake. She also enjoyed sitting lakeside at Lake Delta or just in her own backyard. Her special hobby was crocheting blankets for all of her children, grand children and great grand children. She especially treasured the many family gatherings always filled with good food and lively conversations. Laura is survived by her four children. Sons, Charles Jr. and Gail Lupica of Rome, and Joseph and Anne Lupica of Phoenix AZ. Daughters and sons-in-law Marguerite and Joseph Maurer and Mary Carmel and William Wolf all of Rome. Also surviving are two brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Jean Nardozza of Dallas TX and Vito and Frances Nardozza of Sunrise FL and a cousin, Vincent Nardozza of Rome. Eight grandchildren Greg and Amy Lupica of Providence, RI, Jeff and Linda Lupica of Pleasantville, NY, Molly and Dan Feeley Andover, MA, Marie and Chris Altavilla, Ft. Drum, NY, Joe Maurer of Baltimore, MD, Brian and Megan Adey of Rome, Charlie Lupica of Los Angeles, CA and Katie Lupica of Phoenix, AZ. Nine great grandchildren: Janie and Will Lupica, Jack and Madeline Lupica. Maeve and Sam Feeley, Cecilia and Patrick Altavilla and Ella Adey. And many other special nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. She is predeceased by her husband Charles, brother and sister-in- law James and Louise Nardozza, a sister Marguerite Nardozza and granddaughter Michelle M. Adey. Funeral Services will be held Friday at 9:45 am from the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, and 10:30 am at St. Peters Church in Rome. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Thursday 4-7 pm. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Michelle M. Adey Memorial Fund.