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Lea M. Romanelli left our world to be with the Lord on February 23, 2017. Lea was born on October 19, 1924 in San Sosti, Italy, the daughter of Carmelo and Vincenzina Santelli. At the age of two she emigrated with her parents to Montreal, Canada, first passing through Ellis Island, New York. After living through the Great Depression and the hardships of World War II Lea met and married Hector Romanelli on June 19, 1943 in Montreal, Canada. Her son Frank, now of Nebo, North Carolina was born in Montreal and her daughter Linda of Oklahoma City was born in Philadelphia. Lea and Hector had emigrated to the United States in 1947 to seek opportunity and a better life. Both Linda and Frank survive her.
Lea left an indelible mark of love and caring on everyone who knew her. Her marriage of 45 years to Hector was a testimony of love and loyalty. Lea was a superb Italian cook. Many of her recipes remain in the family but sadly, some have been lost forever.
Lea and Hector were people of faith and believed deeply in the Lord. They taught the virtues of sacrifice, hard work and education. They provided a loving, stable home and ensured both children got a quality education. Nothing made Lea more proud than the accomplishments of her children, and later of her grandchildren and great granchildren.
Lea led a rich life, was a resident of three countries and fluent in three languages. When she became an American citizen in 1956 it was one of the proudest moments of her life. Lea had a striking and ageless beauty. She dressed superbly and presented herself elegantly. But it was her inner beauty that transcended all.
Lea was preceded in death by her husband Hector. In addition to her children Frank and Linda Romanelli she is survived by her daughter in law Cindi Romanelli and her grandchildren Traci Morena of Brookfield, CT, Nicole Christensen of Cary, NC, Autumn Caputi of Oklahoma City and Christopher Romanelli of Fort Worth, TX. She is also survived by six great grandchildren, Rylie Caputi, Kyle Christensen, Noah Christensen, Aidan Romanelli, Lexi Romanelli and Reed Romanelli.
One of the people most dear to Lea is her brother Eddy Santelli of Montreal, Quebec. No brother and sister were ever so close or caring of each other as these. Lea leaves an empty space in Eddy’s heart.
Lea loved music. She danced, sang and played the mandolin along with Hector who was an accomplished accordianist. She was also a magnificent seamstress and knitter. Oklahoma City was her last home and many Sooner and Thunder fans have scarves knitted by Lea Romanelli.
Lea left her mark on Montreal, Canada where she grew up; on Harrison, NY where she raised her children; on Vero Beach, FL where she retired, and finally on Oklahoma City where she grew even closer to Linda, Autumn and Rylie. They were always there for her and she rewarded them with unconditional love. Lea, parent, grandmother, friend , inspiration, you will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held for Lea on (pending) in Oklahoma City. A second service will be held this summer in Montreal, Canada where she will be reunited forever with her husband Hector and Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in Lea’s name to Integris Hospice House, 13920 Quailbrook Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73134. Integris Hospice took superb care of our Mom in her final days and we are deeply grateful.
Joanna & Charlie Viccellio says
We are so sorry to read about your mother’s passing, but we are grateful we were able to read her obituary. What a wonderful person. Much love to the family, Joanna & Charlie
Curt and Barbara Shaw says
Dearest Frank and Cindi and family,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your wonderful mother. What an accomplished woman she was! Our deepest sympathies to all your family. Love, Curt and Barbara Shaw Southlake, TX and Blue Hill, Maine
Jane and Dick Resnick says
Dear Frank and Cindi, We are glad to have seen this beautiful description of your mother’s life so that we can appreciate her more fully. Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Ellee Klics says
Such a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit. The mother of my childhood friend, Linda and her brother Frank.
You are remembered as a wonderful person with a heart of gold. Please rest in peace, sweet Lea! All is well.
Ellee Klics.
Rosemary Santoro Zakhour says
Dearest Linda and Frank and all of your family,
I know it is very sad to say your final good-bye to your mother, but how fortunate you both are to have had her in your lives for so long. Over the years, she shared many wonderful memories of your dad and of friends from Harrison.
Linda, I feel fortunate to have had so many memories from my high school days that were associated with her! Her joi de vivre radiated in all that she said and did. Rest in peace, dearest Lea.
Rosie Santoro
Spook Stream says
Dear Frank,
I’m sorry to hear about your mom. What an incredible life story and what an incredible opportunity your parents gave you…and you took advantage to the fullest! My thoughts are with you old friend. Best, Spook
Linda Korsak Miles says
Dear Linda and Frank,
Was so sorry to hear about your Mother. What a wonderful tribute you wrote for her. I remember her just as you stated. She was definitely a beautiful woman and you were lucky to have her as long as you did. Again, so sorry and all my love to you both, Linda.
Eileen Mcclure says
Linda and Family,
Sorry your sweet Mom had to say goodbye for now.. She was so beautiful and lovely. I was fortunate to know her and spend time talking with her when I did her hair and at gatherings for birthdays over the years . Dancing was always a fun topic of joy and laughs.
Prayers for you all during this time of loss..
With love,
Eileen McClure
autumn leanne caputi says
grandma, no matter what happened in my life: what I did, who I was, the choices I made, you always held me in a positive regard. you always lit up when I came into the room. How I adored you right back. to me, you were perfect. you found joy in me always and spoiled me endlessly. I never tired of your stories about your life and no matter what, you and I always laughed. I miss you all the time. You made Christmas magic for me. Just pure magic. It wasn’t Christmas until you got off the plane with the roasted peppers, pepperoni, sausage bread and my favorite struffoli with sprinkles. When I was very young, you would make up rhymes, sing me silly songs and tell me “squirrel story” over and over and over. your skin was always soft and you smelled of ponds face cream. you always looked adorable in your pink robe. you cooked me the best food I’ve ever had and will ever have in my life. you bragged about me and you know grandma, I needed that. you never said no. well initially you might but within a day or two the answer was always yes. you were beautiful, stylish and graceful. and you gave me my beautiful mommy. I could go on forever. I love you, I miss you, I’m so lucky and grateful that you were mine. I truly hope I’m with you again someday. Thank you for loving me, loving Rylie, loving my mommy.