Lucille Marie Brophy

(Asbury Park Press)

LUCILLE MARIE BROPHY
AGE: 74 BRICK
Lucille Marie Brophy, 74, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2010, at Neptune Rehabilitation & Care Center, with son Tommy by her side. She was surprisingly diagnosed with metastatic breast disease on March 5. She bravely accepted her doctors' recommendations and showed favorable response to treatments. A series of recent infections left her too weak to survive. Lucille displayed strength and dignity until the end. Born in West New York, NJ, she was the daughter of Vito and Ethel Caparelli. She graduated from Union Hill HS in Union City, NJ in 1953. While working for US Testing in 1954, she met the love of her life, Thomas Brophy. They became engaged in 1956, married in 1958. Following the birth of oldest child Thomas Jr in 1959, the family moved to Jackson in 1961. To accomodate the needs of a larger family, they moved to Toms River in 1971. Lucille was a very good cook and baker, a talent she learned from her mother and grandmother. In later years, she taught her daughters many of the same skills. A lifelong sports fan, she grew up loving the Brooklyn Dodgers. In later years, her favorite teams were Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, and NY Mets. She loved music, attending many concerts with her husband and children, meeting many of her favorite artists. A self-proclaimed Disney fanatic, Lucille and her husband made dozens of trips to Florida, owning a vacation property in Kissimmee. As her children got older, Lucille returned to work in the late 70's. She held various positions at many area retailers. Most notably, she spent many years employed by Marshall's of Toms River and Brick. She retired in 2002.
Predeceased by father, Vito in 1975; mother, Ethel in 2006; husband, Thomas (Tom) in 2006, and beloved cat, Jesse in 2009. She is survived by her caretaker and son, Thomas Jr (Tommy) and wife Lisa of Brick; daughter, Donna Knopp and husband Ray and grandson, Brant of Toms River; daughter, Karen Finnegan and husband, Sean of Las Vegas; sister, Ethel Debari and her family of East Brunswick. Also mourning the loss of her "mommy" is faithful Kara Kitty, a gift from her son.
Cremation to occur under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home in Brick, NJ. In honor of Lucille's memory, and all those affected by breast cancer, please make memorial donations to Susan G. Komen Foundation For The Cure.