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FUNERAL HOME
Tulisa LaRocca Obituary
Dr. Tulisa LaRocca, age 44, passed away in her home in Boynton Beach, Florida, October 13, 2020, due to breast cancer. She was born January 21, 1976 in Castro Valley, California to Naftula and Isabel Hanflink. She married her longtime friend and love, Nicholas LaRocca, in December of 2010.
Tulisa was an extraordinary woman, physician, teacher, friend, and colleague, but nothing gave her greater joy than being a mother and wife. After the birth of her children, Tulisa discovered a defining purpose, to give to Isabel and Nicolas the best possible childhoods she could, filled with love, happiness, and tender rituals. She and her husband read every night to the kids; she spoke Spanish to her children so they would become fluent in her parents' native language; she enrolled her children in music and dance lessons to enrich their hearts and give outlet to their emotions. She moved her parents to Delray Beach so that her children would be near their abuelo and abuela. Her life was devoted to making the lives of her children as grand as could be, and for all the complexity of her career and calling, nothing brought Tulisa greater joy than being with her children and husband at the end of a long day.
Tulisa graduated Ross University School of Medicine. She served in residency at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Palm Beach Regional Campus. She joined the faculty of the same after her residency was complete. Among her many achievements, Tulisa was elected Treasurer of the Palm Beach County Medical Society in 2019, served as a delegate to the Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians, and founded a successful medical marijuana clinic in Delray Beach.
Tulisa's life is an enduring testament to the will of one human being to rise above her circumstances. As the daughter of immigrants, she became a physician and teacher. Her passing is a testament to her grace, wisdom, and strength. She left our world in bed with her husband and children; she took her last two breaths just after her children climbed into bed with her.
Tulisa is survived by her husband Nicholas of Boynton Beach and their children Isabel and Nicolas; parents Naftula and Isabel; brother Nathan and his children, Alexandra, Jessica, Justin, and Alyssa; brother Jason, his wife Estella, and their children Matthew and Joshua; brother-in-law Joseph and sister-in-law Christina; and father-in-law Nicholas. She is predeceased by her grandmother Victoria and her mother-in-law Joann.
Please join us in celebrating Tulisa's life on Sunday afternoon, October 25, 2020, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Lorne and Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at ww5.komen.org.
www.LorneandSons.com
Memories and Condolences
for Tulisa LaRocca
Sponsored by Lorne and Sons Funeral Home - Delray Beach.
46 Entries
Marissa H
February 17, 2021
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of one of the best physician's I've come across. Even though I only saw her one - two times a year, she always remembered me & we enjoyed discussing our kids. She always took an interest in knowing about my daughter & spoke to me like a person, not just a patient. My heart & sympathy goes to her family & children.
Laura Ohlmann
December 15, 2020
I met Tulisa a few times. Before Isabel and Nico were born, they held a Halloween party. As the idiom goes, she was the life of the party! She was friendly, outgoing, beautiful, intelligent . . . She made you feel special with every interaction. At one point, my husband pushed Tulisa and Nick in the pool and she thought it was hilarious. They reemerged from the bedroom wearing matching bathrobes. I only saw her once after Isabel was born and she was a spunky and doting mother. Her loss impacted all of us - especially Nick and the kids. I hope they find comfort in knowing that she was immensely loved by everyone that she met.
Dr Maureen Whelihan
December 5, 2020
Such a tragedy to lose such a kind soul....Dr Tulisa LaRocca defined what all women in medicine should strive to achieve. Compassionate caregiver - interested in the story - and an advocate for the success of all women. I so enjoyed the time I had to work with her. She will be missed....
Jennifer Aldamuy
October 27, 2020
Im so sorry. Jenny was such an amazing and inspiring person. I will always cherish my memories with her. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Nurse Jean
October 25, 2020
I cannot believe my eyes. I was hoping this was a hoax unfortunately it is not. My heart aches for her babies, i am sure this was her hardest test yet... leaving them. Cancer is a HORRIBLE DISEASE and i cannot wait until we find a cure for it. Until then, sleep well, sleep in peace and we will remember you always.
Patti Osterman
October 25, 2020
I only met Tulisa a couple of times, but I liked her immediately. Such a cool woman--smart, sassy, sexy, spunky. Reading the comments, I can see the wake of love, passion, caring, and inspiration that she has left throughout her life. May her strength and words of wisdom help guide you through your grief. I am so very sorry.
Nancy Fioramonti
October 25, 2020
In all my years of nursing, TuLisa was the most trusting, determined, kind, selfless, loving, gracious, beautiful patient I have ever had the privilege of caring for. Thank you, TuLisa for shining the radiant light of love now and through eternity.
Debbie S
October 25, 2020
Dr LaRocca was a kind and caring lady. I will miss our conversations. At end of our day she would educate me on things so I could understand what people were dealing with.
She has her arms wrapped around her family to help them through this time of knowing she is no longer able to be here with them on earth.
She is a lady of extreme passion and compassion and will be a beautiful angel in heaven as well.
Yayo, Patty e hijas Flores
October 24, 2020
Con mucha pena, nuestro cariño y oraciones están con ustedes en estos momentos. Que Dios les de la fortaleza para seguir adelante.
Un beso grande al cielo Jenny.
Nurse MM
October 24, 2020
Dr.LaRocca was a wonderful person a caring and wonderful clinician, an educator and a mentor to so many. I was devastated to have learned of her passing. Last time I saw her she was getting ready to give birth to her second child and was loving her new life as a mother. My heart aches for family but what hurts the most is her children will grow up without their wonderful mother who loved them so much.
Diana Roman
October 24, 2020
My heart is heavy. You were such an inspiration as woman physician, working mom and wife. I always looked up to you, how protective you were of your residents and patients. I could always come to you and receive advice and motivating words. I love and admired how you would always have lunch with your husband at JFK. I could see in your eyes the love for your family. True kind loving soul. I pray that Jesus provide all the peace and love that surpasses all understanding to your family in this difficult time. I will always be thankful to have met you.
Nurse Q.
October 21, 2020
I remember to see Dr. LaRocca with her students with no rush but patience and a smile that inspired all nurses in our unit. We will miss her passion for patient care and teaching. God bless her family.
Cecily Marks
October 20, 2020
I can only consider such a joy and honor that I was able to meet Tulisa this side of Heaven. I met her when her daughter first started taking piano lessons with me over a year ago now. The JOY she carried, her very presence brought light to any room. I witnessed it every time she walked her kids into lessons with her husband. I saw what great parents they were to their children, every week, same time and place. The grace, pride and wisdom she showed as a mommy to her Isabel. I’m only sad that she leaves behind loved ones who just have to wait to see her again. She is happier than she ever could be now! Something that helped me the most when I was grieving the loss of my son was realizing “the only reason you feel such deep sorrow is to match the level of LOVE you have.” I pray that brings you comfort. Love is such a privilege, but better to love and have grief than to never have loved at all. A verse that I still meditate on to bring comfort is “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18 NKJV
I love your family so so much and pray for you all continuously.
Sharon Grubman
October 20, 2020
I’m going to miss you like crazy. You were an angel on earth, gone too soon. There will never be a day that passes where you will not be in my thoughts. I will love you forever. Fly high my Tuli.
Juliet Bent
October 20, 2020
My condolences to her husband, children and other family members and friends. She was an awesome doctor and human being. She treated everyone with respect and honesty. May God test her soul.
Pat Tierney
October 20, 2020
In behalf of the entire family, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the entire LaRocca family. Tulisa will be missed by all who met her, and we know she resides in God’s memory.
Deanna Lessard
October 20, 2020
I will miss your beautiful smile and kind encouraging words
David Duncan
October 20, 2020
"Tell My Doctor I said hello, Nick," is what I would say to him on a regular basis at work once Tulisa became my physician. My appointments were never just about my physical health but my whole being as well. Like a therapist, she would sit listening to me, letting me participate in my own healing with less medication. Tulisa was gifted and kind, to be sure!
I wish Nick and his family God's blessings, comfort, care, and love as only He can give for the days ahead and always.
Love,
David Duncan
Colleague and Friend
Matt Klauza
October 20, 2020
I am a better person for having known Tulisa. It is no understatement to say that everyone who knew Tulisa can say the same. She brought joy to so many people who were lucky enough to meet her.
Laura Rios
October 19, 2020
To a fabulous doctor that has taken care of so many in the community. May you rest in peace. Sending prayers to your family.
Janeiro Valle Goffin
October 19, 2020
I hope you are in a better place and been super happy, you deserve it, you were a great human being, thank you for everything
Martín Aldana
October 19, 2020
I met Tulisa during residency, as she was one of the seniors. Shortly, became good friends and slowly she became one of the people I look up to.
Tulisa was more than a physician, was a role model, a friend and someone you could always rely on; there was always room for a good laugh, a joke and some advice, as she always had the magic solution to problems.
To you, Tulisa, I hope you’re at a place where there’s only peace and love, because you deserve nothing less.
Will always remember you as the kind, lovely, and happy person I met.
To your family, all the strength in the world and my deepest condolence.
Clarissa Mcbride
October 19, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Juliet Bent
October 18, 2020
She was the sweetest person and praying for comfort for her family as the grieve their loss.
Simran Mann
October 18, 2020
Tulisa was an amazing human and a loving friend. She taught me how to be unabashedly silly and honest. I will never forget her. I loved her very much. Nick, Isabel, and Nico, I am so sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth Marsicano
October 18, 2020
Our deepest condolences. Tulisa was truly a bright light. Smart, kind, quick witted, and thoughtful to all around her. We are lucky to have met her and better for it. She will be greatly missed. Our love to her family. Love Elizabeth and Charlie
Maria Reyes
October 17, 2020
Dear Nick, I am very sorry to hear what happened to Tulissa. I will always remember how happy you were guys together and how nice you were to all of us . My thoughts are with you, your little kids and the rest of your family. will always remember my peruvian friend and her family.
Susan Aguila
October 17, 2020
Dear Nick, I was very saddened to hear of your wife’s passing. Please know that I’m holding you and your precious children in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you all.
ALLEN HANSEN
October 17, 2020
Nicky, take comfort in knowing that Isabel, Nicolas and you now have a guardian angel watching over you. I have come to realize that Maryann has been helping me cope with her loss for the last 11 years. Just open yourself up to her presence. Isabel and Nicolas will have a much easier time feeling her love and comfort. Love, Allen
Eloisa Piloto
October 17, 2020
There are very little or no words to express my condolences to the family, in my case I didn't know Tulisa personally but I am blessed to be part of her son's life as he goes to the preschool where I have been a lead teacher for over 19 years. Every time Nicholas and her sister walk through our center's door, you can feel how much love and joy mommy and daddy bring to their lives. Even though it has been a short time, it was easy to realize how much Tulisa is loved by her dedicated husband and children.
Tulisa may you rest in peace, may your life and legacy keep touching many others as it always did.
To the family, know how deeply sorry for your loss I am, and I know the pain of missing her must be almost unbearable but know you have an angel in heaven watching over you and must important she's now free of physical pain.
To Tulisa's children know mommy love you and watches over you from heaven, you both are blessed to have a mom like no other.
To Mr. Larocca, my deepest condolences and please know I am praying for you and your beautiful children. Your wife was a beautiful human being and now she's a beautiful angel watching over the amazing family the two of you created. Good bless you and your family today and always!
Eloisa
Phoebe Lee
October 16, 2020
Tulisa, I can’t believe this is real. Heaven has truly gain an exceptional angel. You loved life and always showed people how much you loved them. Such a great beautiful person, inside and out. I’m so fortunate to have met you in med school. My heart breaks for Nick and your kids and family. Rest easy Tulisa. Until we meet again.
Sharon Grubman
October 16, 2020
The world has lost a beautiful and precious soul. Tulisa made a significant and lasting impression on everyone she ever interacted with. I had a special, deep and lifelong friendship with Tulisa and I am in shock. Nick, our deepest sympathies go out to you and the kids. To her parents and brothers, I’m so sorry for your loss. RIP my Tuli. Sharon & Mitch
Vicki Scheurer
October 16, 2020
I never had the pleasure of meeting Tulisa, but through the years I heard the many glowing stories of the love and devotion she had for her family and her patients. Nick's eyes lit up when he spoke of his wife and children, and my heart is with all the family now. I am wishing you all comfort and blessings and the knowledge that Tulisa will be watching over you. Take care and be gentle with yourselves. Much love to you all.
Michelle Williams
October 16, 2020
To a great mentor and teacher that I have ever met may God watch and keep over your husband and your children. You will truly truly be missed. I love you God-bless
Bernadette Oneal
October 16, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to Tulisa's family. A great coworker at Shands @UF 1999. Very good and nice young lady born to win and she did. Bernadette O'Neal.
Ira Herzog
October 16, 2020
Tulisa LaRocca became my physician in 2015 thanks to a recommendation of a nurse at JFK Hospital. Best advice I’ve ever gotten. Eventually, my wife and daughter became her patients. Her love of her profession and compassion were unmatched. As a hospital volunteer I would often see her on her rounds. No matter how busy she would always ask how I was as well as my family. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. The world has lost a beautiful soul.
Patricia McDonald
October 16, 2020
Deepest condolences to the family. I didn't know Tulisa but have worked with Nick for some time. He absolutely glowed when speaking of her and his children. It's hard to lose a loved one, especially one who brought so much joy this world. Prayers and blessings.
Rory Davis
October 16, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Hector Hernandez
October 16, 2020
Nick, my goodness, I feel for you and your family. My deepest sorrow and I am praying that you get through this moment and remember the great moments you had together. I am here for you, amen.
God bless all of you.
Hector Hernandez
Cornelia Charles
October 16, 2020
Tulisa was the one of the most vibrant, caring and loving persons I have met. I was blessed to train beside her in residency and her passion and dedication to her work and family was inspiring. She was always encouraging us to be the best versions of our selves. We will not get the opportunity to run another 10 k physically together but my next race will be a remembrance for a goal we shared. My prayers are with her family. We will mis her so much.
Stefani Crumley
October 16, 2020
I was heartbroken to hear that Tulisa passed away. We were sorority sisters at University of Florida. I remember the positive energy she radiated and her beautiful smile. Much love and sympathies to her husband and children and family. Rest in peace, Tulisa. Xi love and mine, Stefani.
Karina
October 16, 2020
Tuli, was an amazing woman. Her spirit vibrant and her smile contagious. My condolences to her beautiful family.
Annie Stair
October 16, 2020
Such a strong, vibrant and amazing women. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to meet Tulisa. She will be greatly missed.
Jay May
October 16, 2020
I went to medical school with Tulisa. Words fail me to describe how bright and amazing a person she was. She made every room she entered a lot brighter. My condolences to Nic and her babies.
Rachel Biederman
October 15, 2020
I was Tulisa’s sorority sister at UF. She was the life of the party. My condolences to her family.
Stephanie Simkin Kurzejewski
October 15, 2020
She was an incredible woman. Sending so much love to her family during this devastating time.
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Oct
25
Celebration of Life
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Lorne and Sons Funeral Home - Delray Beach745 NE 6th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483
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Lorne and Sons Funeral Home - Delray Beach745 NE 6th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483
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