Irene Santa Lucia, 87, of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the home of her daughter, Victoria.
Born July 9, 1928, in Windsor, NY, Irene was the daughter of Harry J. and Lena (Taylor) Richards. Following her graduation from Windsor High School, she married Jaylmo Santa Lucia on September 16, 1950, in St. Mary’s Church, Kirkwood, NY. A devoted mother, Irene remained at home raising her five children.
Irene was a former member of the garden club and also enjoyed her own gardens. She was an accomplished cook. Her favorite pastime, however, was being a loving grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt.
Irene is survived by her daughter, Victoria Merritt and her husband, Russell, of Norwich, and four sons, Patrick Santa Lucia and Debbie Binarro, of Matthews, NC, Stephen Santa Lucia, of Norwich, Joel and Joann Santa Lucia, of Denton, NC, and Jaylmo Santa Lucia Jr. and his wife, Ann, of Norwich. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews also survive. Additionally, Irene is survived by her sister, Julia Stone, of Oquaga, NY. She was predeceased by four sisters, Eunice Richards, Clara Storer, Josephine Richards, and Margaret Bell as well as two brothers, Albert and Robert Richards.
Funeral services for Irene will be held at noon on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at the Wilson Funeral Home in Norwich where Rev. Brian Conover, pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Windsor. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Contributions in memory of Irene may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.