Lucille F. "Lucia" (Vuocolo) Adams

After a two-year struggle with her health, Lucia Adams entered eternal peace Friday, October 27, 2023, with family by her side.  Most recently from Elmira, NY, Lucia was an Ithaca resident for much of her life and made it home for her transition to be with Jesus.

Born Lucille Francis Mosca Vuocolo on March 8, 1944, to Angelina & Carmine Vuocolo in the borough of Manhattan, Lucia loved her family and stayed close to the Catholic Church. She took pride in her heritage and loved sharing stories of growing up as a Catholic Italian in New York City. Moving to Spanish Harlem in her former years instilled a love of Latin music and dancing. There wasn’t a time her spirit and feet wouldn’t move to the rhythm of the music. Even in her last moments she was dancing to Tito Puente from her bed with family by her side.

Throughout life she stayed connected to her inner child and always took time to explore and enjoy the world around her. She loved traveling to experience new areas and finding what made them special. Eventually she settled in Ithaca to be closer to her children. Lucia was the most loving and strongest of her era. She had a life full of tough choices; yet the tribulations only deepened her faith, resilience, and determination; all characteristics she instilled in her five children: Augustine Adams, Nasha Adams, Rebecca Mendez, Timothy Adams, and Vanessa Adams. The world knew her tough exterior that protected her large compassionate heart; while her friends and family could count on her soft caring and nurturing love, especially when someone was down or ill. Her homemade soups and authentic Mediterranean meals healed far more than the physical ailments. The love she poured into her cooking paralleled the love she poured in her relationships.  

There wasn’t ever a time or distance she wouldn’t travel to be with her friends or family, especially upon the arrival of her grandchildren, Antonio Mendez, Auriana Sidle, & Harmony Adams-Jackson. Travel and good company were her best life. The final year was very hard for her and her loved ones as the dementia tried to isolate her through forced dependence. Fortunately, she had joy and daily company from her local family, her very best friend, Rob Adams, and newfound friends and devoted caregivers: Claudia, Esther, Deb, and Marika, who introduced her to the Freedom Center Church (Elmira, NY). Thank you for the love and light shared; we ask donations to be made to the Freedom Center Church or Hospicare of Ithaca instead of flowers.

Lucia is predeceased by her brother, Richard Vuocolo; parents, Angelina, and Carmine Vuocolo; first husband, Edward Scott Carapazza; and niece, Brittany Turner. She is survived by all her children, her sister Marian (Phil), and their children Tony & Michelle and their children.

Family and friends are welcome to join calling hours on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, between 3:00 – 5:00 pm at Bangs Funeral Home, located at 209 W. Green St. in Ithaca, NY

Donations to can be made to:

Hospicare & Palliative Care Services of Ithaca

172 E. King Rd

Ithaca, NY 14850

(607) 272-0212

Freedom Center Church

390 Warnick Street

Elmira, NY

607-426-2707

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