Consider the red Camellia, a plant she cultivated in her St. Augustine garden, where each year she would anxiously await its bloom and then would gift a flower to each of her loving friends. The delicately layered petals that represent woman and the calyx, the green leafy part of the stem that holds the petals together, are joined together even after death.  Typically, when the petals of a flower fall off, the calyx will stay intact. With camellias, however, the calyx and petals fall away together, which is why the camellia also represents eternal love or long-lasting devotion. And these traits exemplify her deep love for her family all the years they had her by their side.

Jilda Diflorio LaDuca would see the possibilities in a discarded antique chair, a cluttered room, an unset table, an empty vase, an old piece of fabric -- turning each into a kind of artwork that added beauty to the world and bring small joys among the hard edges of some of life.

Jilda D. LaDuca, "Jill" made her transition on Sunday, December 15, 2019. Her family and friends surrounded her in love. She was a devoted and caring mother and grandmother, and a loving faithful and supportive wife.

She was born in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Diflorio (Susan). She was married to Robert F. LaDuca, also of Niagara Falls. They lived in Lewiston, NY, where they raised four sons and one daughter before retiring to St. Augustine, Florida in the fall of 1993. She was a beautiful, positive spirit, and her sense of humor and infectious laugh brought joy to family and friends.

She was a graduate of the University of Buffalo where she was elected a member of the nation's oldest academic excellence society, Phi Beta Kappa, and where she also received her Master of Science degree. She was a member of the Speech and Hearing Association of Western New York, the Exceptional Children's Association, the National Association of Audiologists and the New York State Teachers' Association.

She was an active member of the St. Francis Guild, Altar Rosary Society and a member of St. Peter's Church from its early beginnings on Plain Street in Lewiston.  After her children left for college, she was employed in Buffalo, NY, as a Hearing Resource Specialist for hearing-impaired children where she was their mentor and teacher.  She lovingly guided each one from kindergarten through high school.

After moving to St Augustine, FL, she became active in many organizations including the American Association of University of Women, the EMMA Guild, the St. Augustine Art Association, First Coast Opera, Atlantic Beach and Tennis Club, St. Augustine Ballroom Dance Association, the Marsh Creek Women's Association and for 25 years a member of the Marsh Creek Country Club. For many years, she also occasionally modeled for the L.A Sophisticates. She was an active member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church where she was a devoted Eucharistic Minister for eighteen years.

She loved to walk along St. Augustine Beach searching for sea glass. She was a member of the Nine Holers Ladies' golf group for years but later golfed "when the spirit moved her."

She loved to entertain, and her themed dinner parties were so enjoyed by her many friends. She was an avid reader and dearly loved music: she danced, sang, and in her home, the "tunes" filled the rooms. Her daughter, Bonnie, remarked "music was in her soul and in her heart."

She and her husband traveled extensively, but her happiest memories were with her children and grandchildren each summer at their Eagle Island lake house "On Eagle's Wings" on Kawagama Lake, Ontario, Canada.

Jilda LaDuca is survived by her husband Robert F. LaDuca, Sr., four sons Robert F. Jr (Barbara), and Ronald W. (Karen) of Lewiston, NY; Jeffrey P. (Kelly) of Wheatfield, NY; William D. of Atlanta, GA; and one daughter Bonita (Amy) of Minneapolis, MN. She is also survived by one sister Ida McVeigh (Dr. Robert) of Pittsford, NY.  She was blessed with five loving grandchildren: Lauren (Reid), Kristen (Brandon), Bryan, Michael (Michele), and Justin, and five great grandchildren, Lily Grace, Colin, Ayla, Nolan, and Maria Grace, all of Lewiston, NY. Her brother, Hon. Judge Aldo L. Diflorio, predeceased her.

She passed away quietly into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, leaving her family with many memories of one filled with love of life.  "I loved Thee on earth. May I meet Thee in Heaven."

Jilda's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 21 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY. Entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Lewiston, NY, where her parents were founding members.  Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.