Lucy "Lu" Tranchida

Groton - Lucy "Lu" (Fazzina) Tranchida, 95, died Friday, March 21, 2014.

Born Lucia Theresa Concetta Fazzina to Sebastian and Vincenza Fazzina, on Dec. 6, 1918, in Siracusa, Sicily, she came to the U.S. with her family when she was three years old. She was the second of four children and helped her parents raise the family while learning to make canolli and other baked goods in the back of Fazzina's Bakery in New Britain. After moving to New London with her family, she worked in the convent at St. Mary's in New London, where she ironed the habits of parish sisters after being taken out of school at a young age. She became a skilled seamstress, baker and homemaker.

She met her future husband, Paul Anthony Tranchida Sr., in Columbus Circle in New London, near the Shaw Street neighborhood where their families lived. They were married on Sept. 25, 1937, and spent 75 years together working, raising a family and later in life travelling around the world. Paul predeceased Lucy on April 6, 2013.

Lucy worked a variety of jobs while raising her family, but she was most proud of her time as a legal secretary, having never even entered high school. She was a bright, insightful woman who was ahead of her time in many respects like many women of her generation. She multi-tasked as a way of life and thought outside the box by necessity. Her creativity and spontaneity knew no bounds, even in her last years of life. She loved to dance and sing and would break into song at any moment, from movie classics and Frank Sinatra to Italian ballads sung in Italian. She loved to make recipes "interesting" and loved nothing more than cooking for her family.

She was a member of the Groton Senior Center and participated in the center's chorus and talent shows for several years. She bowled with Paul in the Groton Seniors League and also was a member of the Groton Emblem Club.

Lucy is survived by three sons and their wives, Paul A. Jr. and Cathy of Ledyard and Bedford Hills, N.Y., and their children, Shainna (Bill) Squires, and Micha, and granddaughter, Charlotte Olivia Squires; Ronald T. and Karen of North Salem, N.Y. and Stonington, and their sons, Rob (Ali), Jamie, Ryan and Jesse, and grandson Landon; and David V. and Pamela of Pawcatuck, and their sons, Adam and Michael. She also is survived by her brother, Nick of Niantic.

Lucy was predeceased by her brother, Carmelo; and sister, Mary.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, March 28, at Sacred Heart Church, Mitchell Street, Groton.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Dr. Neer Zeevi for his compassion and guidance. We also wish to thank Lucy's caregivers, Kathy Genga and Donna Pinkham for their patience, as Lucy was feisty and particular, to the end.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Sacred Heart School, Groton, and the L+M Development Fund.