Lucia Rose Caballes

Lucia Rose Caballes, 87, formerly of Livingston, passed on December 28, 2021, the Feast of Holy Innocents.
Funeral Services will begin on Wednesday, 1/12/22, at 10:15 AM from Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Ave., Roseland 07068, shookfarmer.com.
Funeral Mass 11 AM at St. Raphael's Church in Livingston.
Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.
Visitation Tuesday, 1/11/22, from 4-8 PM in the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be shared at shookfarmer.com.
Born and raised in Jersey City, Lucy lived there for 35 years before settling with her husband and children in Livingston in 1969. She was a parishioner of St. Ann's Catholic Church, and later, St. Raphael's in Livingston. She was a graduate of P.S. #27 and Dickinson High School. She also attended Seton Hall University Annex, all in Jersey City.
Prior to her becoming a mother, she was a bookkeeper in the garment business and later, a legal secretary. She was very proficient in and proud of her careers. Lucy enjoyed various sports: she played high school basketball, coached cheerleading, and was involved in amateur bowling as league president. She was the head of a women's softball league and also coach of girls' basketball at St. Raphael's grammar school. She was also known as "Lucy the Mechanic" to many, including the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell and the many she helped.
Lucy was a life-long volunteer - helping in Catholic schools, teaching extra-curricular arts-and-crafts and auto mechanics, coordinating school lunch programs, and even working as temporary school secretary. Her volunteering continued until her last years, assisting with Rosary groups and those in need.
The sole survivor of the family of Italian immigrants, hard-working Antonio and prayerful Oronzia (DiMola) Mercadante. Beloved sister of Jimmy, Jerry, Paul, Rose, Jake, and Joey, and their spouses - in particular, her matron-of-honor Kay Mercadante.
Predeceased in 2013 by her husband of fifty-four years, Romeo L. Caballes, M.D.
The devoted mother of Romeo Caballes, Jr., M.D. and his wife Lynne; Rose Caballes; Theresa Solazzo and her husband Anthony; Nancy Caballes; and James Caballes.
Cherished grandmother of Nicholas, Dena, Angela, Grace, and Lillian, whom she enjoyed so much.
Caring Godmother to Raymond Calluori, Paula M. Graziano, and Lisa M. Natosi.
Beloved friend and "Nana Lucy" to many others. Her presence will be greatly missed. "LOVE One Another" 1John 4:11