Obituary of Carmela (Millie) LoBrace

Carmela (Millie) LoBrace, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 17, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Millie was a lifelong resident of the city of Elizabeth, NJ. She worked for the Elizabeth Board of Education for 18 years as a cafeteria aide. Millie was a member of St. Anne’s Rosary Society, St. Anthony’s Senior Citizens, St. Joseph’s Guild, the Ladies Vallatese Society, and the Retired Men and Ladies Club of Peterstown. She was also an avid Yankees fan and enjoyed playing cards. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Growing up in Elizabeth with her parents, Francesca and Alfonso, her 5 brothers, and one sister, a sister with whom she had a lifelong bond. She never wavered her belief that family and unity are what lead to happiness, and learning from the Depression, that even without some of the necessities and money, love is what counts and is important. She knew, through love and caring, all is possible. She lived in the same house she was born in her entire life, had strong roots in the community and enjoyed community events and spending time with her friends. Through her belief in God and robust religious ideals, she maintained a close relationship with her parish community and organizations. As a single parent, she raised her family with minimal means and limited resources, yet always managed to provide for them. She always needed to know everyone was safe, moving along in their own lives and becoming the kind of people who make the world a little better, as she always wanted to be herself. It was with this same zeal that she was proud of their accomplishments and content with the fruits of her efforts guiding her family watching them succeed. She is predeceased by her parents, Alfonso, and Frances (Moriello) DiMaggio, and her son, Barton LoBrace. Millie is survived by her son, Michael LoBrace and his wife Diana, her grandchildren: Anthony, Julia and Alexander, her sister-in-law, Gloria DiMaggio, and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Petruccelli Funeral Home, 232 Christine Street, Elizabeth, NJ on Friday, January 21, 2022, at 9:30am then to St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, Elizabeth, NJ where at 11:00am a funeral mass will be offered. Interment is in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia, NJ. Visitation is Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 4-7pm.