Obituary of Lena La Marca

Lena "Lee" (nee Carocci) La Marca, 93, passed away Thursday, November 25, 2010 at her home in Tewksbury. Daughter of the late Maria (nee Taliercio) and William Carocci and wife of the late Thomas La Marca Sr., Lee is survived by her loving daughter, Marilyn Klubenspies of New City, NY and devoted son, Thomas La Marca Jr. and wife, Jane of Tewksbury Township, NJ; her brothers, Thomas Carocci of Flemington, NJ and William A. Carocci and wife, Connie of SC and sister, Julia Brennan of Springfield, NJ; her beloved grandchildren, Lisa Marie Goetchius and her husband, Brian; Thomas John La Marca and his wife, Maria; Lance La Marca and his wife, Stefanie; Jane Danielle Petrill and her husband, Jordan; Luke La Marca; and her 8 beautiful great-grandchildren, Christopher Lee, Matthew, Jessica, Thomas, Sofia, Daniel, Gianna and Gabriella. She was predeceased by her younger sister, Elvira Carocci of West Orange, NJ. Born in 1917, Lena went on to graduate from the Newark School of Fine Arts as a fashion designer. While raising her family she and her loving husband founded L & Z Tool and Engineering, Inc. in 1952. Upon her husband's early passing in 1970, she assumed and retained title of CEO until her death. Known as a "proper lady" with artistic skills and flair for fashion, she leaves behind a life filled with devoted love of family, goodwill to all, and high achievements. Her generosity was so great that it spanned the world, including a S.H.A.R.E. orphanage house in Kenya named in her honor. Due to their desire to help others, the Thomas and Lena La Marca Annual Scholarship was created in 1997 and is awarded "in recognition of those endowed with fine character and outstanding work ethic deserving assistance in their endeavor for higher education." An avid ballroom dancer and a member of The Somerset-Hunterdon County W.O.W.s, she chaired and worked on various committees, arranging many of their social events. She and her husband were significant donors towards the construction of the St. Mary's Stony Hill Church in Watchung where her funeral will be held. Funeral Services will begin on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 9 am at the Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, followed by a 10 am Mass of Resurrection at St. Mary's Stony Hill Church, Watchung and interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.