Raffaella Laurenzi
October 17, 1940 -
July 25, 2024
Raffaella (Lilina, Lily, nee: Tripodi) Laurenzi, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Aurora St. Luke's ICU on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Lilina was born in Castel Ruggero, Salerno, Italy on October 17, 1940, to the late Carmine and Maria Amalia (nee: Ponzo) Tripodi.
On April 7, 1966, Raffaella immigrated to the U.S. in pursuit of building a life as well as to help provide for her parents back in Italy. After working a plethora of jobs, she dedicated herself to the Chrysler Corporation (AMC) as an assembly operator and was a sister of the UAW for 35 years. She was a pillar of strength for many. Being an immigrant woman working in a male-dominated workplace, she spoke up and demanded respect for her place amongst them.
Raffaella loved her family, both in the U.S. and Italy. She easily became "mamma/nana" to those that knew her. Lilina always donned a brilliant smile which lit up the room. Her liveliness brought people together to laugh, love, and eat. No one ever walked away hungry and there were always to-go boxes as well. She thrived on her innocent pranks and a pocket full of candy to brighten anyone's day.
Surviving is her daughter, Cathy (nee: Laurenzi) Essex; son-in-law, Jesse Essex; grandson, Lorenzo Essex of Milwaukee; sisters, Rosetta Caveliere and Lucia Napoli of Italy; and a multitude of nieces and nephews, as well as friends who meant the world to her. In addition to her parents, Raffaella was preceded in death by her brothers, Tommaso, Antonio and Don. Pietro Tripodi; sister, Grace Dominici as well as her two sons, Pietro and Antonio Laurenzi.
A special thank you to the nurses and doctors in the ICU at St. Luke's for providing her such dignified care and to Dr. Greg Rocco, her primary care physician of 20 years, who cared for her with love and respect.
Service Info
Memorial services honoring Raffaella’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at the Piasecki Funeral Home, 3720 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI.
A gathering of relatives and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Posted by:
BrendaMy childhood and adult life has so many memories and experiences thanks to you. You guided me you molded me you fed me ?? You reinforced love of family and hard work. You always did what it took to make sure your family had what they needed. Your strength and tenacity through adversity was so awe inspiring. You gave me a sister for life and with that I got a brother-in love and a nephew that being substance to me. You discipled me unapologetically to keep me centered when you were the parent in charge and that in retrospect is worth so much as you raise kids in the world today. Your Witt and sarcasm could light me up anytime. You were comfortable in your skin and taught us to be too! We shared holidays, birthdays, births and death. As I grieve you I won’t lie, I have guilt! Life gets busy and changes so much and no matter how many times someone says live them while they are hear you lose sight until they are gone. Even in death you are still shaking and teaching and molding me. I pray that you know I love you and I pray you have faith we will comfort and love on Cathy , Jesse, and Enzo a little more for you. Rest easy, you worked so hard we got it from here! You will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
Posted by:
Steve FalsettiSorry for your loss. Lots of love for Lily. She was always smiling, inviting and kind. Every time I visited the Laurenzi/Essex family she welcomed me with a “Ciao” and a biscotti. The world we be a little less happy and tasty without her.
