Felisa was born in Sada, La Caruna, Spain on July 3, 1916 to Maria and Antonio Suarez. Her parents were already in their late 40’s at the time of her birth, so she immigrated to the United States in 1917, arriving at Ellis Island on March 21, aboard the ship Saratoga. Sometime during her youth her name became Americanized to Felicia.
Her childhood was filled with difficulties. He mother died when she was 5, and her father died when she was 12. Happily though, she went to live with her wonderful sister and brother-in-law, Maria and Roman. Since they had no children of their own they were more than happy to raise her. They became her second parents and in their later years she cared for them like a daughter.
As a young women, Felicia worked in the garment district, where she made many friends and happy memories. Every possible weekend was spent at the many ballroom dance spots that were so popular during that era. It was at one of these dance halls that she met the love of her life, George Calcaterra. They were married on November 27, 1948, and shared 50 years of love and happiness before his death in 1998.
They started their life together in Brooklyn, but shortly after their son Thomas was born in December 1951, they moved to the house on 45th street Astoria, where Felicia lived until the day she passed away. Donna joined the family in September, 1956.
What a wonderful time this was for Felicia. Her sisters Maria and Julia also lived in the house, and most of George’s family lived in New York area too. Felicia and George settled into the routine of raising a family. Little league, boy scouts, dance recitals, school glee club and drama shows, and the PTA kept them busy, but they made lifelong friends who stayed connected long after the children grew up.
The years passed quickly. Family members sadly began to leave her, but others were welcomed into her family. Felicia first became a mother-in-law to Kathy and Frank, and then came the blessings of grandchildren. James, Bryan, Stephanie, Michael, and Matthew were her most precious jewels. Now she is a great-grandmother to Brynn and Dylan, and hopefully many more future generations with her genes will follow.
For 100 years Felicia has brought happiness to so many people. Her greatest joy in life was cooking for other people. Every meal was a labor of love that brought as much joy to her as to guests. Many of us still make her most cherished recipes for our families.
Not standing much more than five feet tall, Felicia had more strength and resilience than any professional athlete or hero you may know. Through all her falls and illnesses she defied the odds the doctors gave her and got back up on her two feet and walked again. Through grief, heartache, pain and all the hardships life throws at her she never lost determination or hope.
To live 100 years is an accomplishment that a few can claim. Felicia did it with her own flair and style. She is an inspiration to all of us.
Visitation will be held on Thursday September 29, 2016 from 2-5:00pm & 7-9:00pm. A funeral mass will be held on Friday September 30, 2016 10am at Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Saint Michael's Cemetery located in East Elmhurst, New York
Arrangements under the direction of Thomas M. Quinn & Sons, Astoria, NY.
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