CROFTON, Md. - On June 29, 2012, Lucille Torreano Ghiardi, entered eternal life following an extended illness after suffering a stroke. She was 90.
Lucille was born and raised in Negaunee, Michigan. She resided with 6 siblings, (James, Egidio, George, John Torreano, Domenica Minzlaff and Delia Agnoli) and frequent 'boarders', who had recently emigrated from Italy. Lucille was a graduate of St. Paul High School, and was part of the first graduating class. Lucille learned and mastered cooking from her mother Johanna and family. Lucille later worked for the Michigan Bureau of Pardons and Paroles.
Lucille was married to John Ghiardi on April 7, 1947. She soon began a life abroad in support of her husband who served in the U.S. Foreign Service. Their journey began in Cairo, Egypt, and then to Beirut, Lebanon. John and Lucille then spent the next 13 years in Rome, Italy where her two sons, Christopher and Giancarlo were born. Lucille loved to entertain and guide visiting family and friends throughout Italy.
Lucille was a devout and active member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Bethesda, Maryland for over 30 years. She was a member of the sodality, a choir member, a Eucharistic Minister, she assisted with the set up/cleaning of the altar, hand-washed the church linens/vestments and attended Mass daily during the retirement years.
Lucille enjoyed cooking for those in need, including preparing lasagna and other Italian foods for charities that included the Montgomery County Homeless Shelter, the House of Ruth and S.O.M.E. In the retirement years, John would deliver the bounty of food on a regular basis. Lucille organized other volunteers to assist.
Lucille had boundless energy and loved to care for the home, her garden, the church and others.
Lucille is survived by her sons, Christopher John of Bethesda, Maryland and Giancarlo Martin of Crofton, Maryland and three wonderful grandchildren, Katie, Steven and James, all of Crofton, Maryland.
A visitation is planned for July 5, 2012 from 9:30-11:00 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, in Crofton, Maryland at 1800 Seton Drive, Crofton, Maryland. The Funeral Mass Service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with a reception after.
The family requests that any donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123-1718 or to the American Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Online condolences may be made at www.LastingTributesFuneralCare.com