NILES- Lucille M. Canterucci Soltesz, 90, passed away peacefully on Good Friday evening, April 3, with loved ones by her side.
Lucille was born January 6, 1925 in Niles the daughter of James and Theresa Sparano Canterucci.
On June 5, 1948, she married Joseph Soltesz. Besides being a dedicated wife and loving mother, Lucille was employed for many years at Nader's Department Store and Thrift Drugs. After a semi-retirement, to keep busy, she returned back to work for a few years where she enjoyed working for Vernon's Café and Banquet Center until officially retiring in 2000.
In 1954, she and her husband built their house next to her childhood home. She took great pride in keeping a meticulous clean home which she and her husband raised a family and shared for 60+ years.  Lucille enjoyed cooking, and keeping busy.  Along with her husband, she was an avid gardener and loved spending time outside as well as entertaining her family and friends.  Like a true Italian, she enjoyed a good cup of coffee to dunk and eat her biscotti, glass of vino, and a plate of pasta.  She every now and then enjoyed her guilty pleasures of Taco Bell and Kit-kats. Some of her favorite pastimes were working her jumbo crossword puzzles, playing solitaire, and shopping. She loved to collect Angels- may she now be among them.
Lucille always kept a positive attitude and a skip in her step. She always said "You are as young as you feel, age is just a number, and I feel good!" Even in her last moments, Lucille's strength and determination carried on with her few last words being in a phone conversation with her daughter-"I had a good day."
She was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society, and Infant Jesus of Prague Guild. She focused much of her time volunteering for the Church by making pizzas as well as a committed festival volunteer. Always donating to the missions- she was a giver by nature, whether it be her time or her possessions that she never held too closely.
Most recently at Shepard of the Valley Nursing Home in Niles, Lucille enjoyed getting to know staff, participating in activities, getting her nails done every Sunday, and being reacquainted with old friends.
She will be deeply missed by a daughter Toni Lynn Grandon of Ronan, Montana, a brother, Brother Anthony Canterucci C.P.P.S. of Toronto, Canada; six grandchildren, Kristie Lombard and her husband Christopher, Ryan Soltesz , Brian Grandon, Vincent Grandon, Justin Grandon, Eric Grandon and "grannypoo" to two great-grandchildren, Roman Anthony Soltesz and Kyleigh Grandon, and a step-great grand-daughter Jaimee Lombard. Aunt Lou will be missed by many nieces and nephews near and far.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Joseph Soltesz whom passed away on August 11, 1997 and son, John A. Niotti-Soltesz whom passed away on July 10, 2010; three brothers, John Canterucci, Michael Canterucci, and Frank Canterucci, and three sisters, Mary Canterucci, Yolanda Chelsea, and Florence Augustine.
The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Shepard of the Valley Nursing Home in Niles for their dedicated and compassionate care of Lucille "Lucy" over the past 6 months.
Lucille's family has entrusted her to the care of The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles and will receive family and friends from 4 to 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday. The Mount Carmel Society and Infant Jesus of Prague Guild will conduct prayers at 3:45p.m. and The Mount Carmel Bereavement ministry at 6:00p.m..
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m., on Thursday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles preceded by a 9:30AM service at the funeral home. Her final resting place will be in Niles City Cemetery.
Family and friends can light a candle, sign the guest book, and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com .