Maria Lucia Coppola, 102, of Warren, PA., and a resident of the Rouse Warren County Home, Youngsville, PA., passed away peacefully, there Monday afternoon, October 8, 2018. She was born March 15, 1916 in Warren, PA. Maria was the daughter of the late Angelo A. and Clara “Carrie” M. Nicotera Lucia. Maria graduated from St. Joseph School in 1929 and Warren High School Class of 1933. She was employed as a secretary with the former New Process Company from 1933-1937. Maria was owner/operator with her husband, of the former Paulmar Restaurant, (now the Draft House) and the former East Side Fruit and Produce. She has resided in Warren most of her life and was a former resident of Tempe, AZ for 30 years, before returning to Warren in 2000. She was a member of Holy Redeemer R.C. Church where she was a former volunteer and enjoyed playing Bridge, other card games and was active in the Woman’s Club. She was a lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She was a very gracious woman with a smile for everyone and a special twinkle in her eyes.
She is survived by her 2 daughters – Regina Jabo of Warren, PA, Judith “Judy” Strazzella of Silver Springs, MD; 1 Brother- Frank “Butch” Lucia of Russell, PA; 1 Sister – Elizabeth “Betty” Donovan of Warren, PA; 10 Grandchildren, 25 Great Grandchildren and 6 Great Great Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul J. Coppola, whom she married October 9, 1937 at St. Joseph R.C. Church, Warren, PA., who died August 25, 2000, 2 Brothers – James V. Lucia, Joseph A. Lucia, 1 Sister – Margaret Piccirillo.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 5 to 8 P.M.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, 11 Russell Street, Warren, PA., on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. with Fr. Scott Jabo, President of Cathedral Preparatory School, Erie, PA., and Fr. James Gutting, Pastor, co-officiating. Entombment will be in the Mausoleum of the Resurrection in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Holy Redeemer Church Building Center Fund. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Dear Gina and Judy:
Please let me offer my sincerest and deepest condolences at the passing of your dear mother. After having read her obituary today, and then recalling my own experiences with her, I believe firmly that her full life of 102 years was truly a reward for her ostensible exudation of Christianity throughout her time on this earth. How fortunate you both are to now hold your own fond memories of your own lives with great lady!
Also I will always recall my memories of your father Paul, grandfather Frank, and grandmother Sarah, all of whom played a most memorable role in my own early life. All of us kids in the old neighborhood were fortunate to have had these four wonderful “Coppola” people as role models.
As a former altar boy I visibly recall the wedding of Gina and Ochs (sp?) Foley at the former Holy Redeemer Church, and the following truly splendiferous reception at the old Marconi Outing Club afterwards.
Connie and reside in Ave Maria, FL, and also have a home on Gran Lake, near St.Augustine, FL. We both keep very busy for two septuagenarians!
I will be praying for all of you Coppolas especially at 10AM this Saturday, and in spirit will be with you at her funeral. May God continue to bless both of you, and give you long, healthy, and productive Christian lives — similar to that of your wonderful mother.
Your old friend and neighbor, Bob “Buddy” Vetera — bobvetera@centurylink.net
Having never met Mrs. Coppola — I feel her connection. Purchasing her home was a milestone for me and a lifetime of hope. The neighborhood has very fond memories of her. My sympathies to her family and a thank you for her wonderful life.
Please accept my sincere condolences on your recent loss.