Lilia Maria Allessi, 84, of Raleigh, passed away on May 23, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Joseph Allessi, her son, Charles William Allessi, her parents, Fernando and Olga Sainz, and her sister, Ana Maria Haley.
Lilia was born and raised in Holguin, Cuba. At the age of fourteen she moved with her family to Peoria, Illinois. She met her husband Charles while in college and they lived most of their married life in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Lilia, known affectionately as 'Mamamia', took great joy and pride in her children and grandchildren; nothing made her happier than contributing to their prosperity and well-being. She also gave generously to those living in the margins of life. The first in line for an ice-cream cone, Mamamia loved to dance, to stick her toes in the sand at the beach, to read, and to throw back her head and laugh. She was courageous and kind, smart and self-deprecating. Mamamia's beloved and distinctive use of the English language inspired many imitators but no equals.
Lilia is survived by her three daughters, Lilia McLaughlin and her husband, Thomas, Ana Maria Allessi, and Rebeca Allessi and her husband, Richard Gifford; grandchildren, Caitlin Poe and her husband, Christopher, Patrick McLaughlin, Carter Woodiel and Tennessee Woodiel; and her sister, Olga Katus.
A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, June 5 at 10:00am at The Sacred Heart Cathedral, 200 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh. Lilia will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, Lilia would want you to pay it forward and do something kind for someone.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's Str., Raleigh.
Condolences may be made online at www.BrownWynne.com
