Vincenza (Vee) Liviola

Vincenza (Vee) Liviola, age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 17, 2016 at Rae-Ann of Geneva. Born on September 6, 1923 in Sinagra, Sicily, Vee was the eldest of five children born to Sebastiano and Rosa (Corica) Radice. With her parents and sister, Josephine, she immigrated to the United States when she was three years old. She was a naturalized citizen due to her father's military service for the United States during World War I. The family moved often, as do many immigrant families, and spoke their native language in the home. In spite of entering kindergarten not speaking English, she graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in the top seven percent of her class. When World War II ended, she married James J. Liviola on June 21, 1947. Together they established their family home in Geneva Township where they raised their four children. Jim and Vee celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in 2014. Vee and her husband were members of Assumption Church in Geneva. Along with raising her four children, Vee worked as a secretary for a family business. After retirement Vee and Jim kept in touch with friends and family at weekly dinner outings. Vee enjoyed participating in the People With Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE) program at the Geneva Senior Center. Despite claiming she was not a gardener, her flowers and vegetable garden were admired by those who visited. Her friends at PACE often shared in the bounty she grew. When visitors dropped by they were guaranteed wonderful conversation with coffee, cookies or a delicious garlic-free impromptu meal around the kitchen table. Vee is survived by children Rose Mary (Harold C.) Burns, Linda (Edward) Beeman, Peter G. (Lori Lamer) Liviola, and James S. (Tina) Liviola. She is also survived by grandchildren John (Jenn) Burns, Everett (Elisa) Beeman, Rachele Beeman, Erica Jackson, Michael Liviola, Sebastian Liviola, Dominick Liviola, and 6 great grandchildren. Also surviving are siblings Josephine Lamancusa, Paul Radice, Ann Marie (Felix) Rozzo, sister-in-law, Lidia (Jim) Beaver, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James J. Liviola in 2015, her parents, and infant sister Ann. Vee will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Western Reserve and Rae-Ann of Geneva staff for their compassionate care and attention. Without them Vee's journey would have been much more difficult. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either Hospice of the Western Reserve or Assumption Church. Friends will be received 5 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 S. Broadway, Geneva, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Assumption Catholic Church, 594 W. Main St., Geneva, Ohio. Final Resting Place will be St. Joseph Cemetery in Ashtabula. Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com