Alice Lucilio

On September 13, 2023, Heaven gained a beautiful, faithful soul as Alice Lucilio, née Corsale, age 87, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side.  While she will be sorely missed, we are comforted knowing she is at peace with God.

Alice was born on July 27, 1936 to Pasquale & Mariangella (née Migliozzi) Corsale in Girard, Ohio and later moved to North Canton, Ohio, where she lived for most of her life.  Alice is survived by her sister Mary Merdich; her brother Larry (Patty) Corsale; her sister-in-law Lucy (Sandy) Stuart; her children Joe (Jessica) Lucilio, Mary LaFleur, and Jonathan Lucilio; daughter-in-law Connie Lucilio; grandchildren Alfred IV (Haely) LaFleur, Joshua (Alicia Bosnakovic) LaFleur, and Ryan LaFleur; and great grandchildren Ellie and Enzo LaFleur.  She is also survived by numerous other extended family members and friends.  Besides her parents, Alice was preceded in death by her husband Nicola (Nick) Sr., her brothers Joseph Corsale and John Corsale, her brother-in-law Walter Merdich, her sister-in-law Sandy Corsale; her infant daughter Lisa Lucilio I, her daughter Lisa Lucilio II, her son Nicola (Nick) Lucilio Jr., and her son-in-law Alfred LaFleur III.

Alice was a woman of few words who spoke volumes in her day.  She was contemplative, compassionate, loving, fearless, and wise.  Her heart had eyes to see.  Alice had a way of cutting to the heart of a matter.  She knew and dared to say the brave, sweet words that cheered our way.  Alice enjoyed a rich spiritual life.  The revelation that we are the beloved sons and daughters of God marked a pivotal moment in her life.  The notion that not only was she devoted to God, but also, she was deeply loved by God, emboldened her to love and serve others in new and expanded ways.  Alice was deeply devoted to the love of her life and husband of 62 years, Nick.  Mom and dad created a sacred space for each other that was distinct from but essential to their large family.  Walking in the house, one would often find them praying the rosary or reading scripture together.  Precious to witness, their love for one another extended well beyond their family into the community and was a love on-the-ready to be of service to others.  Alice was active in the Catholic Church, including the Cursillo movement – all of us kids grew up around so many wonderful adults and families because of the community that was created around us!

Alice was a Registered Nurse (RN) and spent the majority of her career at St. Luke’s Nursing Home in North Canton, Ohio.  Prior to their courtship, mom followed dad to Chicago to pursue nursing studies (and dad!) without his knowing.  At that same time, he was heading back to their home town, having completed his studies in electronics.  Love would find a way for this couple!  Alice was strong- and soft-hearted.  If mom was praying or sharing a story and had tears in her eyes, there was a good chance those listening did too.  She would often write notes to family members -- these cards and letters are treasures and were usually tear-provoking.  Two distinct traits Alice inherited from her mother were disdain for long telephone conversations and not suffering fools.  Mom might write a 3-page letter, but phone conversations were limited to 15 seconds.  And when something did not quite add up, she would say, “No bulla shitta!”  The home we grew up in was certainly not the biggest, fanciest, or tidiest, but all who entered knew it was something special and that they were seen, welcomed, and loved (and well-fed!).  When we were younger, mom reveled in pre-dinner antics like, “hug the person to your left and tell them you love them.”  The look of surprise and horror on the faces of friends who had stayed for dinner is unforgettable.  Before every meal, after prayer, mom and dad would share a kiss and say, “I love you.”  Even if they were mad at each other at that moment, they never skipped this practice.  Growing up, the smell of homemade bread, pizza, fried dough, and sauce meant you were home.  Neighbors and friends always seemed to know when it was bread-making day and there was always plenty to share.  Alice enjoyed being silly and a good, occasionally dirty, joke.  During cold and flu season, all of us children and mom would sit around the dining room table under a Vick’s vapor tent and share funny stories and jokes.  Mom later shared with us this was her way of gauging what we knew about the birds and the bees.  Mom did not need her nursing skills when caring for her children because there was nothing that Neosporin, Vick’s, garlic, a hot toddy, or a glass of water could not cure.  Mom made a point of not meddling in the lives of her adult children, but her commitment and protective instincts to “be there” when it mattered were unwavering.  Alice was a good woman and an exceptional mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She lived a good, long life and was able to enjoy many years of retirement with her husband, Nick.

Alice’s family would like to thank Harmony Hospice Home Care nurses as well as Anna Abatangelo, Aundrea Graves, and Michelle Vicchiarelli, who provided outstanding home care and made Alice’s final days as comfortable as possible.

Arrangements include a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul Church, 241 S. Main Street, North Canton, Ohio 44720 on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 10:00AM immediately followed by a reception in the Crystal Room at La Pizzaria, 3656 Dressler Rd NW, Canton, Ohio 44718.  We hope those that attend the funeral will join us at the reception.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul Church, North Canton:  www.stpaulncanton.org