A kind and gentle lady who was happiest when with her family
SOMERVILLE — It’s so hard to say goodbye. On November 20, 2021, Sophia “Sophie” Angelina (Leoncello) LaGrega left this earth peacefully to be with the love of her life, Johnnie. Sophie was the daughter of the late Carlo and Genoveffa (Collela) Leoncello and the wife of the late John Angelo LaGrega.
Sophie was born in Boston, raised and lived in Hyde Park before moving to Somerville in 1963 where she spent the remainder of her life. She is survived by her children, Robert J. LaGrega and his wife, Joan of Lowell; Stephen J. LaGrega and his wife, Doreen, of Derry, NH and Maria Nolan and her husband, Mark, of Melrose. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of their Noni’s life: Maureen, Rob, Tanya, Kyle, Veronica, Kayla, Meghan, Emily, Annie, Logan, Brendan and Camden.
She is survived by her siblings Teresa Allocca and Sam Leoncello and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
She is predeceased by her siblings Edith Princepessa, Carlo Leoncello, Florence Connolly, Eleanor Leoncello, John Leoncello, Albert Leoncello, Alfred Leoncello, Victor Leoncello and Mary Leoncello.
Family was the most important thing in Sophie’s life and she was happiest when she was surrounded by them. She was the most loving, caring, gentle and kind person you would ever meet and those who know and love her will feel a huge void.
Sophie and her beloved Johnnie loved traveling and visited many places including Hawaii, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. They always looked forward to spending summers at the Balsam’s Resort in New Hampshire where they all enjoyed many happy family vacations. Sophie loved crocheting, crafts and Andrea Bocelli and Englebert Humperdink music, but what she loved the most was cooking for her family. Nobody made meatballs and sauce like Noni and it was a very rare occasion that someone left her home without some of her delicious leftovers.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home in Melrose, on Saturday, November 27,2021, from 9 – 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Face masks are requested. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice and HomeCare, 360 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01843. Interment will be private at the family’s request. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
