Maria Lucia Cozell

Was born and the Bronx, NY to Alessio and Immacolata Pisciotta. She was one of five children.

Maria was an excellent student and loved school. She graduated from Morris High School with honors and was accepted to Hunter College. She wanted to teach English but being a child of the times, like most of her piers, had to work to help the family.

Determined to do more, she attended secretarial school at night and received her certificate. She was happy about this accomplishment because it allowed her to have a satisfying career with State Farm Insurance and AT&T after her children were grown.

She married her high school sweetheart, Adam Cozell, in 1942 and spent the following three years waiting for her husband to come home from war.

When they were reunited they purchased a home in Seaford, Long Island, where they had five children; Adam, Michael, Steven, Linda, and Judy.

Upon retirement in 1984, Maria and Adam moved to Mandarin along with her sister Claire and brother-in-law Dom. After a long and difficult disease, her husband passed in 1988.

Maria was a very witty person. She was funny and a great story teller. She always entertained her family and friends. She was an excellent cook, baker, mother, and wife.

She will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin with Fr. Daniel Cody as officiant. A reception will follow at the funeral home. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223.