Felicia Maria Leticia Caponegro La Valla
Felicia La Valla
Felicia Maria Leticia Caponegro La Valla, age 96, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on July 13, 2020 at Madison House, Kirkland, Washington.
She was born January 5, 1924 in New York City (in Manhattan’s Little Italy) to Maria and Rocco Caponegro. Her paternal grandparents owned a successful commercial business in Manhattan and subsequently returned permanently to Italy with Rocco in tow but who then married Maria and returned to New York to start his family. Although Italian was Felicia’s first language her father insisted that she and her older brother Frank (now deceased) learn proper English. Her family soon moved to Brooklyn to be near some of Rocco’s relatives where she acquired a solid public school education. Her brother Frank introduced her to his college fraternity brother Dominic. She married Dominic Charles La Valla on September 13, 1947, who preceded her in death in 1994.
Felicia, more than anything else, was a loving and caring wife and mother. She nurtured and skillfully guided each of her four children to reach their full potential. She was a memorable storyteller, fantastic cook, homemaker, and world traveler (introducing her granddaughters to Italy when she was in her 80’s). She worked for the Metropolitan Insurance Company in New York City, Safeco Life Insurance in Seattle, and Bechtel Engineering in southern California. She was a devout Catholic who prayed daily and said many Rosaries for family and friends.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses Dominic and Martha, Paul and Yoko, Anne and Timothy Curran, and Jennifer and Gary Schroder; grandchildren, Reilly Curran, Emma Curran Harding(Rob), Vincent Schroder (Jolene), Lance Schroder (Carli), and Ryusuke La Valla; great-grandchildren, Josephine and Mille-Mae Harding; and her many nephews, nieces and friends.
The family expresses heartfelt thanks to her longtime aide and friend Maria Olivera, social worker Alicia, Hospice Nurses Kim and Jessica, as well as the staff and caregivers at Madison House.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Louise Catholic Church in Bellevue, Washington on Friday July 24, 2020 at 11 am. Because of the current pandemic only close family members will be in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, a remembrance offering may be made to her favorite charities; EWTN (ewtn.com) and/or Evergreen Hospice (evergreenhealth.com/hospice-care).
8 Responses to “Felicia Maria Leticia Caponegro La Valla”
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I am so sorry for family’s loss of a wonderful woman . I loved reading about her . Her daughter Jennifer spokes lots of her . She will be smiling down all of you till you meet again one day
Love ,
Cindy McGonigal
I loved reading her story and knowing more about her! What a beautiful legacy! Praying God’s peace and comfort for you all! Karen and Rob Michel
What a beautiful tribute! So sorry for you loss Tim, Anne, and family! We will be with you in spirit on Friday. She was a wonderful woman who raised a wonderful daughter.
Sending our love and condolences, Peggy and Curt
I remember her cooking in Brooklyn for her in-laws. What a crowd! Good food and of course a wonderful Aunt.
I picked this paragraph out of a favorite poem about mothers:
“When I reminisce about the things she used to say
And I miss her and think she is so far away,
I remember what she gave lives on through me,
And one day I’ll see her on the shore across the sea”.
I was very fortunate to have Mamma Felicia as part of my life. She was a very intelligent, loving and wise woman. We shared many conversations about Calabria, Italy and Italian culture in general. She was very blessed to have dedicated children and grandchildren. Felicia will continue to guide us from above. Beautiful pictures for a classy, Brooklyn Italian-American!
Our condolences, prayers & love to the family & friends of this great, great woman, wife, mother, grandmother & great grandmother. What a legacy & witness
Mrs. La Valla gifted to the world. If friends & extended family could be at the funeral today, bleachers would be needed for the overflow outside the doors! St. Peter echoed the Lord as he threw open the gates of Heaven for Felicia, “ Well done, faithful servant!”
All our love,
Tom & Barb Eshom
My heart goes out to you for this enormous loss. I have such fond memories of your Mom visiting us at WSU in the 70s. I enjoyed reading your tribute. May you feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Upon hearing about the loss of your mom our sympathy is with your entire family. I still have wonderful memories of meeting your parents the first time when we took a road trip to Arizona. They both were so warm and welcoming that I always felt like part of your extended family. Her life story was beautiful and will live on thru all of you. Take care.