Lucille V. Tucci
November 02, 2011
Lucille (Amadeo) Tucci joined the Angels in Heaven at the age of 86 on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines after a long struggle with congestive heart failure.
Lucille was born on December 14, 1924, in Des Moines to Leonard and Dorothy “Fortunata” (Leo) Amadeo. She was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943. After high school she worked at Fargo Grocery store and the Rollins Hosiery Mill during World War II. Lucille met a young, Italian immigrant Joseph Tucci and taught him to speak English. Lucille married the love of her life, Joseph Tucci on May 1, 1949, and was blessed with four children.
A puzzle was always in progress in her home. She loved jumbles, crossword puzzles, jig saw puzzles, and sending daily greeting cards. She babysat in her home for many years and kept in contact with many of the children into their adulthood. As a first generation child of immigrants, she had wonderful Italian recipes that she loved to cook and bake. Her home was always filled with the aroma of spaghetti sauce, meatballs, fried peppers, homemade breads and cookies. Visitors to her home were always treated to one of her Italian specialties. Above all she loved spending time with her family and made every day special. She was an amazing Mother, always putting her children first, dressing up for Halloween, making lunches with handwritten notes, baking daily, teaching her kids to ride a bike, and being their biggest fan. Lucille especially loved the holidays and created many holiday traditions that will be carried on in her memory.
Lucille was a devout Catholic, praying the rosary several times daily. She was a life long member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society, a Blue Bird Den Mother, and was an avid award winning Southridge Mall walker.
Lucille will be missed greatly by her loving husband of 62 years, Joseph; her dedicated children, Dominic (Laura) Tucci, Dorothy (Mitchell) Parker, Elisabeth (Dr. John) Calisesi of Ft. Dodge and Jomarie Tucci; her six wonderful grandchildren, Jodi (Adam) Park, Ryan Tucci, Blake and Alivia Parker, Dr. Carrie Jo (Dr.Brady) Pearson and Liza Marie Calisesi; and one great-grandson, Noah Bergmann; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Rosie; brothers, Charlie, Tony, Sam, Jim, Don, Frank and five infant siblings.
A visitation/rosary will be held Monday, November 7th at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4-7pm; Rosary begins at 7pm. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, November 8th at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church. Funeral services begin at 10:30am with burial at Glendale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the family. The family thanks Dr. Thomas Peacock, Dr. Carol Horner and the many Angels at the Kavanagh House for their care and kindness throughout her illness. To friends and family your calls, visits and support have made this journey more comforting.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
John Terry
11/09/2011
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother.
Dick and Helen Masimore
11/07/2011
Our condolences to the family. We lost a wonderful neighbor and friend. I still remember Joe and Lucille welcoming us to the neighborhood when we moved in. Lucille had baked a wonderful chocolate cake, which of course was delicious. We miss seeing both her and Joe too now that he is in Ramsey. They both kept the house, and even the street looking perfect. If there was any debris in the street, you can bet she was out there to pick it up.
She was a wonderful lady. We will keep your family in our prayers to help you through this. I'm sure you all have some wonderful memories. If you need anything please let us know.
Dick and Helen Masimore
Vicki Collings
11/07/2011
Liz, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family in the loss of your mother. I pray that all of the great memories you have will help you and your family get through this extremely sad time.
Dee McCoy Davis
11/06/2011
Liz--I have such fond memories of your mom. It was always a blast going to your house and having slumber parties. We used to get pretty loud down in the basement. Yet your mom was always friendly and kind. Your mom was also a wonderful cook--I loved her food. I know you will miss her alot but you have all those wonderful memories to reflect on. Thinking of you fondly and sending up prayers in this time of sadness. Love, Dee McCoy Davis
Genny e Francesca Mastropasqua
11/05/2011
We are deeply saddened by the death of Mrs. Lucille. We did not know Lucille in person, but we are sure that she was a great woman and a great mother and wife and she will miss all of you. We will pray for you all hoping that our prayers will help you to overcome this sad time. Address a special greeting to Mr. Giuseppe Tucci. A deep hug to Liz and the whole family.
Genny e Francesca Mastropasqua - Noci (Italia)
Cindy Docken Ghalibaf & Family
11/05/2011
Our love and prayers are with your family at this time. Lucille is definitely among the angels. I have so many fond and warm memories of Lucille - I always looked forward to receiving her handritten note in the yearly Christmas cards that I received from her. I can still remember the wonderful Italian cookies that she baked & I do remember her many puzzles! Lucille loved life and had an infectious laugh. Her greatest legacy is her wonderful family -- all our love & prayers to Dominic, Dorothy, Liz & Jo Marie and of course to dear Mr. Tucci.
Our deepest condolences,
Cindy Docken Ghalibaf & Family
Sandy (Olson) Horning
11/05/2011
Lucille was a dear, dear woman. She was our babysitter for many years of my three boys, the Olson boys. She was much more than just a babysitter; she was a caring, kind, loving woman who put her heart into caring for the children in her care. And, she baked so many good Italian treats and shared them, not only with the children, but with us parents. It was like sending your children to pre-school, as well, when Lucille was in charge. She did an excellent job. And, Joe, we love you, too! She was a great woman and Heaven has gained a great lady this week! Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. May God bless you all! What a great family!
Sherylea Downes
11/04/2011
I know you'll miss your mother very much. She was one of sweetest ladies I've ever met!
Wanda Susie) Smith
11/04/2011
Jomarie, and to the rest of your beloved family. My sincere sympathies go out you all of you.
May your faith in God give you comfort during this hard time.
With love to all of you,
Wanda (Susie) Smith and Grant
Mary Kay (Masolini) Zaver
11/04/2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
God Bless
Loretta
11/04/2011
Heaven received another precious soul. The Rizzuti family is praying for the family. Know that your Mother will be watching over each of you. May God help you and get you thru the next weeks.
Love
Loretta Rizzuti
and family