Vincina M. Lizza

1928 - 2025

On Saturday, the Feast of All Saints Day, we lost our dear Aunt Mimi. She was dubbed as everyone's "Aunt Mimi" as she welcomed all who knew and especially loved her. Vincina Marie Lizza peacefully and comfortably passed away on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in the family home in Glenmoore. She was surrounded by her most beloved family members and was where she wished to be. Vinn was born on Dec. 23, 1928, in Latrobe and was the daughter of the late James and Malina (Gangemi) Lizza. She was a member of Holy Family Church for over 50 years until she relocated to the St. Vincent Parish area. Mimi's deep love and fierce commitment to her hometown of Latrobe was evidenced by her involvement in a multitude of local organizations. Her ultimate passion was in the arts, especially the theater, as she was an actress and a director for numerous productions. She traveled extensively as she directed performances around the country and local area. For many years, she was involved with a local dance group, where she became a devoted tap enthusiast. Even in later years, she funneled her energy by regularly practicing yoga. She was an active member of the local AARP chapter and always participated in the planned activities and trips. As a member of PARSE, she consistently attended meetings and events. Mimi's career spanned many decades after her graduation from Latrobe High School. She worked as an administrative assistant, a theatre director and actress, and as a supervisor for the PA State Unemployment Office. At the start of her career as an administrative assistant, she worked at a local law firm. From there, she was employed by prominent area businesses and then by the PA Game Commission. The bulk of her career was spent as an examiner at the State Unemployment Office. After her retirement, she continued to study all the PA updates pertaining to the field. Many times over the recent years, her expertise was requested by anyone with an unemployment concern, and she always knew the answer! Mimi was the "Fun Aunt" who was always willing and able to participate when the begging began from the many nieces and nephews. At times, Mimi initiated the festivities and had a small crowd of young children follow in step. The fun began in the 1960s with the board game Tripoli around Nana's dining room table and continued over the years with Monopoly on the floor or the bed. And oh, the card games! Mimi taught everyone the basics of poker and "Dirty Lady." She also encouraged everyone to create fun using imagination and strongly urged all the kids to become actors. The young ones remember the "Stick Leader" game with imaginary walks through jungles. The older ones remember "George the Horse," who remained in a galloping position stationed in front of Jamesway. Outings included trips to Valley Dairy and shopping for outfits that non-negotiably needed to match and coordinate. Family meant everything to Mimi, and she held a special bond with her siblings all through the years. Family was not just limited to blood relatives, or as she would say, pedigree, but absolutely included extended family and so many numerous friends. We will all miss the fun aunt! In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Arthur B., James Jr., Charles, and Hector; sisters, Olive Hostovich, Dorothy Marcelli, and Josephine Flory; and nephew, Anthony Lizza. Vinn is survived by nieces, Laura A. Braun and her husband, Robert, of Glenmoore, PA, Carol M. Koppenhaver of Montoursville, Daniel Lizza and his wife, Linda Haase, of Youngstown and Dave Lizza; great-nieces and -nephews include Leah, William, Olivia, and Christina; great-great-nieces and -nephews include William Jr., Athena, Genna, Persephone, Nemmy, Dante, Eris, Eleanor, and Olive. She is also survived by the extended family of Robert Sr. and Jane Braun. Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, and 9 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Holy Family Church, Latrobe, with the Rev. E. George Saletrik as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Latrobe. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.