Lillian Josephine (Cupelli) Cortina

Lillian Josephine Cortina, 77, of Boca Raton, FL passed away on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024 in Delray Beach, FL.

Lillian was born August 25th, 1946, in Eritrea, Eastern Africa to Anello and Carmela Cupelli. As a child, Lillian lived in Calabria, Italy, Pittsburgh, PA, and finally to Bronx, NY, where she settled down and married. In the early 70s, she relocated to Boca Raton, FL and began a family. 

In Boca Raton, Lillian, along with her family opened Pizza Time Restaurant, that became a staple for home cooked meals in the community. She worked at the restaurant, but her love was education and family. She went back to school at FAU, and received her BA in early childhood education. Throughout her career, she began working with St Joan of Arc Catholic School in Boca Raton, but ultimately spent most of her working years as an educational coordinator at the Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education at Palm Beach State College. Upon retirement, she returned to St Joan of Arc to be closer to her grandkids. She was affectionately known as "Nonna", and received the grandparent of the year award.

Lillian was known for her love of all things travel, culture, books, and cooking. But above all, family was her greatest love.

Lilian is survived by daughter, Natasha(Frank) Batista, and 3 grandchildren, Frankie, Iliana, and Lyla.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 14, at Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton, Fl from Noon to 4pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated the following day, Monday, July 15, at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Boca Raton, FL at 11am.

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