Lucia Teresa Buzzelli (nee Discenza)

Lucia Teresa Buzzelli (nee Discenza), age 81 of Solon, formerly of Bedford, passed away peacefully on June 22nd, 2024. She was born January 5th, 1943, in Baranello, Italy to the late Nicola and Virginia Discenza. 

Lucia was a loving wife of 53 years to Vittorio Buzzelli; beloved mother of Paula (Michael) Giudice, Luigi (Sandi Petras) Buzzelli; dearest “Nonne” of Anthony Michael, Jordan Aleah, Easton Vincent, Adrian Noah and Gianna Rosalucia Giudice; sister of Antonetta (Emil – deceased) Giunti and the late Giovanni (Lena) Discenza, Angelo Discenza and Lorenzo Discenza; aunt of Charlene, Emil, Sharon, Angela, Virginia and Linda. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends. 

Her family was sponsored by her uncle and one by one they immigrated to the U.S. She was the last sibling at home with her father when in 1965 at age 22 she arrived on a flight to New York and missed her connection. She spent that night in a hotel room in New York City, not able to sleep, fascinated by the marvelous lights and scenery.

She lived with her mother and brothers in Bedford and worked at a yarn factory downtown; taking the bus to work daily until she learned to drive and was able to purchase her own car. 

Lucy was introduced to Victor, her future husband, who was from Castel Di Sangro, Italy in 1971, they were married, and the following year started their family. Having only an elementary school education but hardworking and determined to provide for them; she then worked at a die cut steel factory with her sister for many years.  In 1979 they moved their family to a lovely new home in Solon where she found joy in cooking, baking and gardening. She enjoyed gathering at Antonette & Lena’s houses on the weekends, where the cousins would play, and they would eat all of the delicious homemade Italian food they prepared together.  Visiting sacred places like the many shrines and sanctuaries she traveled to, brought her peace and happiness. Her love of making fresh tomato sauce with her mother and sister was something she looked forward to all year.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She was always happy to help clean, cook and decorate for the next party. Traveling and spending time with them filled her heart with delight. She enjoyed telling captivating stories of when she was growing up and how they had to take care of the farm, look after the animals and make homemade pasta daily.  She appreciated the little things and didn’t need much but absolutely loved to go shopping.  She was a devout Catholic and attended Mass regularly and had many religious statues, relics and jewelry at home. It was difficult for her to tell a story without becoming emotional and shedding a few tears. She prayed for others and was kind and compassionate with everyone she met; always giving of herself.  She shared her Italian wedding cookies with everyone she knew. Spending time in Florida or taking a cruise and traveling to Italy and experiencing new things brought her endless excitement. 

Lucy was a member of the Baranello Women’s Junior Auxiliary for over 40 years and attended meetings and events regularly and traveled with fellow members to visit other cities and had many amazing adventures. 

She embodied love, kindness, and generosity, spreading joy wherever she went. Her pure heart found happiness in the simplest pleasures of life. She will be very deeply missed by all who knew her.

 The Buzzelli Family will receive family and friends from 4:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, June 27th at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 1000 Mentor Avenue in Painesville. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, June 28th at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road in Concord.  The Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.st-gabriel.org/livestream-masses.html