Angelina L. Soro, born Angelina LaGreca, ended her 86 year journey through life on June 14, 2012, with her daughter by her side, at the Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Angelina was the Daughter of the late Charles and Maria 'Lena' (LaMarca) LaGreca who braved the voyage from Sicily to the United States of America, through Ellis Island, to settle in Niagara Falls, NY, in the early part of the last Century. A first Generation American, Angelina and her siblings had to learn English at School and in turn, teach her parents English and help them study to become American Citizens.
A Graduate of Trott Vocational High School, she also worked in the Trott office as a clerk in her final year before graduation. She began working immediately upon Graduation at Nabisco Shredded Wheat and then DuPont as a telephone Operator and stenographer. She told her family stories of eating warm Triscuits right out of the ovens while working at Nabisco and how clean the factory was. She worked at DuPont during WWII and never wanted for nylon stockings (rationed during the war) as DuPont had a policy that none of their female workers would work with bare legs and supplied them with 2 pairs of stockings a week.
She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Parrish in Niagara Falls. A member of the Children of Mary Sodality at St. Joseph's Parrish until her marriage to John Soro on June 14, 1952 at St. Joseph's. John and Angelina Honeymooned in Washington, DC and Virginia Beach before settling in Niagara Falls, NY, and eventually building their first home in the Town of Niagara just before starting their family in 1955. John predeceased her on April 28, 2004
After raising 4 children with her husband, Angelina went back to the workforce to Mt. St. Mary's Hospital as a switchboard Operator on the midnight shift, moving quickly up the promotional ladder to Admitting and then to Secretary in Medical Records, which she held for 10 years. She then left St. Mary's to become the Medical Secretary for Hooker Chemicals & Plastics Corporation (Occidental Chemical) for 10 years, and retired in 1984. Angelina continued her education to graduate with an Associate Degree in Business Administration, Women in Business, from Bryant & Stratton College, graduating just after retirement.
She became the Secretary of the Oxy Retires Club for the next 13 years and organized many excursions to New York, Washington DC, Florida, Las Vegas, Branson Missouri, as well as day trips here in NY State to the Finger Lakes Region & Southern Tier. Angelina also organized all the Luncheon & Dinner meetings for the Oxy Retirees, as well as the Christmas Party each year until her health forced her to step down from her post.
Angelina was also very active in the Town of Niagara Lioness for many years, holding every Officer position within the Organization, including President for 2 years. Angelina was famous with family and friends for her ability as a Baker and Cook. Her cannoli were coveted by her family, all of them eager to receive a dozen or two at Christmas, along with her wide assortment of Italian Cookies, pastries, sphinge, and with her Husband and Children, held a Christmas Eve Open House & Buffet for family and friends, that is still a tradition today.
Angelina was truly talented, on many levels, but her greatest gift was her radiant light filled with Kindness and Love, given so freely and without reservation or want of return, that you could not help but be drawn to that beautiful positive energy and spirit within her, she made you feel, truly valued. She was an Angel on Earth, and her parents named her well, and she will be missed more than we can express here in this brief outline of a life well lived.
Mrs. Soro is survived by her children, Sons, John Anthony Soro of Town of Niagara, NY, Raymond Frank (Bonny) Soro of Lockport, NY and twins: Son, Michael Paul (Paula) Soro of LaSalle, NY and Daughter, Eileen Mary Soro of Town of Niagara, NY, 9 grandchildren, Jennifer Lee (Joe Haney) Soro of Syracuse, NY, Kristin Anne (Jean Laurent) Schérer of North Tonawanda, NY, Danielle Marie Soro of Town of Niagara, NY, Eric Raymond (Corinn) Soro of North Tonawanda, NY, John Anthony Soro Jr. of Town of Niagara, NY, Samantha Marie Soro, Michael Paul Soro II, both of LaSalle, NY, Kaitlyn L. Soro, Lacey Soro both of Town of Niagara, NY, 2 Great- Grandchildren, Korben Haney and Emma Haney, of Syracuse, NY , one brother, Charles (late Maureen) LaGreca of Welland, Ont. Canada, Sisters-in-law, Mary Palimeno of Niagara Falls, NY, Andrianna (Joseph) Casciano of Williamsville, NY, Mary (late Joseph) Sirianni of Niagara Falls, NY, Eleanor ( late Angelo) Drago of Lewiston, NY , several beloved nieces & nephews , dear friend & Maid of Honor, Yolanda Curcione,. She was predeceased by sisters, Rose LaGreca, Josephine LaGreca, brothers, Frank (late Jean) LaGreca, Roy (late Anne) LaGreca & brother-in-law Sam (late Virginia) Soro.
Visitation and gathering to say goodbye will be on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday June 18th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094 in Angelina's memory or to the Town of Niagara Lioness. Daughter Eileen and the entire family of Angelina wish to thank the Staff from Niagara Hospice, who gave Angelina such wonderful, personalized care at home, especially the amazing professionalism and care by her Hospice Nurse Judy Johnson, and Aides, Barbara Ricketts and Paula Miller and our deepest gratitude to Niagara Hospice House Staff for making her last days worth living, in comfort, grace and dignity.