As I looked through many old photos I couldn't help but notice the joy that Nonna Lilia exuded when surrounded by her great grandchildren.   I witnessed first-hand her youthful spirit.  Whether she was crawling around the floor playing trains with Dante, dress up with Leela,  and of course as they got older DOMINOS, there wasn't a game that Nonna Lilia wasn't ready to play.    She had a zest for life and was full of love.

I will miss listening in on her daily conversations with Peter.  The way she would answer the phone,  "Ola mi vida,"   and the playful flow of their words was soothing to hear, especially during difficult and lonely times like the pandemic.   Although I cannot hear her voice talking with Peter on the phone today I can still hear her in my heart.   She has made such an impression on my life and the life of my children's.  I am thankful for all of the time we have spent together and for the family memories we have created.  

We love you Nonna Lilia,  
Sara

To the Soldevilla family,

We were so saddened to hear of Nonna Lilia's passing.  She was such a beautiful woman, inside and out.  Though language could have been a barrier,  the love for her family shone through.  It was above everything.  We will cherish the memories of the times spent together.
All our love,

Pat, Maria, Daniel, Claire, Avery & Leo Rocca

The time has come when we can longer physically hug Lilia (and Pedro) or chat over the phone; the time is here when distance or words are no longer relevant, and holding Lilia (and Pedro) in our hearts transcends longitude and latitude and language.  Always in my heart.  Rest is Peace  Lilia.

Looking back 50 years I have several great memories that I shared with Lilia. I was very fortunate to have her in my life. Lilia was the most caring and loving grandmother to Peter (papito) and great grandmother to Dante and Leela. 
She will be in my heart forever.
Lilia Rest in Peace love you always.

Prayers. 
Thank you  for all the wonderful  ❤️  memories. 
We will never  forget  you 💔 ❤️ ♥️

Prayers. 
You will be always in our 💕. 
Thank you for all the times we spent      together  we will always  treasure  thoses moments 💖 
Love Ana and your sister Bertha

Lilia always considered us family…from the moment we met in 1975!  I can still hear her say, “ju r my fah-mah-lee!”  This photo, taken in 2013 at Papito and Sara’s home, expresses Lilia’s love and fondness for her Sciacca girls!  Remembering Lilia’s genuine love of family, near and far,  and knowing she is with her Soulmate Pedro warms my heart.

I'd like to share a story.  One that defines part of Nonna Lilia's character.  We were in Niagara Falls one time finishing dinner, and Nonna Lilia was very eager to get back to the casino.  So as Sara and I were getting up from the table we hear a loud scream, and it wasn't Nonna, but Piqui, screaming "LILIA!" in horror.  He screamed loud enough for everyone in the restaurant to hear.  I stand up see that Nonna Lilia, in her haste, didn't notice the stairs on her way to the elevator and tripped.  One high heeled shoe went flying one direction and her purse went another.  The manager, Piqui and myself rushed to her.  We all tried to help her up off the floor.  She said, "No, no me toques."  She pulled herself up off the floor, collected her shoe and purse, hit the elevator button and said let's go.  She then proceeded to tell us in the elevator that she knocked her tooth out in the fall, and that Piqui and I had to go get her Crazy Glue.  She then started to laugh hysterically while still in the elevator.  I asked what was so funny, she plainly said, "Piqui."  She said she couldn't stop hearing Piqui shout "LILIA!" over and over in her head, we then we all started to laugh as she imitated him.  She was in her early 80s at the time, wasn't crying or anything, just wearing high heels, looking fancy  out to dinner and the casino while on vacation with her grandson.  Later she glued her tooth in and went on playing the slots.  She was a strong, resilient and very proud woman, I only hope that I have inherited some of those traits from her and that I pass those down to HER great-grandchildren Dante and, her namesake, Leela. 

Te quiero Nonna Lilia,
Papito

I've always had a very special and close relationship with my Nonna.  We spent summers together, vacationed together to places like Niagara, San Jose, Tahoe, Gatlinburg, Toronto and Windsor just to name a few.  We always had great times along the way.  She was very loving and caring about all of those in her life, whether friends or family and that's part of what made her so special.  I know she's in heaven now with Piqui looking down on all of us acting as our guardian Angel.  As hard as this time is, and has been, I'm very lucky to have so many great memories to call upon to make me feel just a bit better.

Te queremos mucho Nonna Lilia,
 Papito, Sara, Dante y Leela

OBITUARY

Lilia Soldevilla

July 13, 1928 – April 2, 2024

Caballero Rivero Little Havana

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