Raffaella Laurenzi

Raffaella (Lilina, Lily, nee: Tripodi) Laurenzi, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Aurora St. Luke’s ICU on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Lilina was born in Castel Ruggero, Salerno, Italy on October 17, 1940, to the late Carmine and Maria Amalia (nee: Ponzo) Tripodi.

On April 7, 1966, Raffaella immigrated to the U.S. in pursuit of building a life as well as to help provide for her parents back in Italy.  After working a plethora of jobs, she dedicated herself to the Chrysler Corporation (AMC) as an assembly operator and was a sister of the UAW for 35 years. She was a pillar of strength for many. Being an immigrant woman working in a male-dominated workplace, she spoke up and demanded respect for her place amongst them.

Raffaella loved her family, both in the U.S. and Italy. She easily became “mamma/nana” to those that knew her. Lilina always donned a brilliant smile which lit up the room. Her liveliness brought people together to laugh, love, and eat. No one ever walked away hungry and there were always to-go boxes as well. She thrived on her innocent pranks and a pocket full of candy to brighten anyone’s day.

Surviving is her daughter, Cathy (nee: Laurenzi) Essex; son-in-law, Jesse Essex; grandson, Lorenzo Essex of Milwaukee; sisters, Rosetta Caveliere and Lucia Napoli of Italy; and a multitude of nieces and nephews, as well as friends who meant the world to her. In addition to her parents, Raffaella was preceded in death by her brothers, Tommaso, Antonio and Don. Pietro Tripodi; sister, Grace Dominici as well as her two sons, Pietro and Antonio Laurenzi.

A special thank you to the nurses and doctors in the ICU at St. Luke’s for providing her such dignified care and to Dr. Greg Rocco, her primary care physician of 20 years, who cared for her with love and respect.