Lucy Diliberto Bres

Lucy Diliberto Bres, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all, passed away at her home on Sunday, January 7th after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was 70 years old and lived most of her life in Birmingham, AL. She is survived by Mike Bres, her husband of 52 years, 5 months, and 7 days, who was at her side when she took her final breath.

Also mourning her passing are her two children, daughter Catherine Bres and son, John Bres, along with John's wife Gina Oliver Bres and their three children, Sofia (William Marshall), Jackson, and Logan. She was close to both of her sisters, Tena Diliberto and Anna Diliberto (Paul Norton), and considered Tena's son Joseph Diliberto another one of her "babies". Her large, loving family of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will also feel the loss of Lucy's love, strength, and humor in their lives.

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Josephine Diliberto, both of whom were active in their church, St Paul's Cathedral. She had no fear of dying because she knew that they would be waiting for her, along with the rest of her beloved friends and family who passed before her.

Lucy attended St. Augustine School followed by John Carroll Catholic High School (class of 1971) and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She worked at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga before returning to Birmingham to begin her tenure at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she served as a nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit for 28 years.

Lucy was recognized by UAB in 1995 with the Lois McMillen Cooper Award for outstanding care and compassion. The hardest thing for Lucy towards the end of her life was that she needed care instead of being able to provide care for others. The nurses in MICU at UAB made her feel like a celebrity when she had a brief stay in the unit during her illness though. Even those who had never met her knew about Lucy!

Lucy was happiest when surrounded by her family and could always be counted on to be there for whatever reason. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and could always put a smile on her face. She managed to make both of her children feel like they were her favorite too.

Lucy enjoyed knitting and her handiwork has kept many warm over the years. Knowing the end was near, she was determined to create blankets for future babies since she wouldn't have the opportunity to snuggle them herself.

Lucy loved the beach and was happy to have had the opportunity to take a "bucket list" trip with her husband Mike this past fall where they traveled up the east coast visiting several locations in New England and witnessing the glorious fall colors.

As a devout Catholic, Lucy had a daily prayer list that included anyone who she heard was having the slightest struggle. She was a long-time parishioner at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, Alabama, where her detailed instructions for her services will be carried out on Monday, January 15th. Visitation will start at 10am and the funeral mass, officiated by her long-time friend Archbishop Joseph Marino, will commence at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Prince of Peace Catholic Church for graciously hosting all of Lucy's family and friends for a luncheon after the ceremony.