Elizabeth Jean (DeLuca) Agnone

AGNONE, ELIZABETH JEAN (DeLuca)
Kalamazoo
5/28/1923-6/23/2021

Elizabeth Jean (Betty) was born to Louis and Lucy DeLuca in Pittsburgh, PA. Her sister, Emily, followed three years later. She was raised to cherish her Italian heritage and her Catholic faith and carried those beliefs throughout her life.

Betty had many friends who loved her, and she loved them, many of whom are waiting for her in heaven. She would often tell her children that to have a friend, you have to be a friend. Betty was an excellent cook and a meticulous homemaker and her hospitality was world class. Together with her husband Gene, she hosted many memorable parties over the years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, cousin and aunt. Betty really enjoyed being a grandma and spending time with her large family. All family members were always welcome in her home.

Following graduation from Peabody high school in Pittsburgh, Betty attended Seton Hill College from which she graduated with a degree in home economics, concentrating in dietetics. A few years after graduating she met her husband, Dr. Eugene John Agnone, and in 1948 they began their 55-year marriage in Scranton PA, where their first two sons were born. They returned to Pittsburgh long enough to have their third child. Then it was on to Detroit and Grosse Pointe Park where three more children were born, giving Betty the six children she always wanted.

In 1973 Betty and Gene moved to Lighthouse Point, Florida, where they lived for over 30 years. Betty was active in the medical auxiliary and in her church choir. She loved to sing. She loved gardening, especially tending her rose bushes. She had an artistic flair which she often expressed through her flower arranging and cake decorating.

Betty and Gene took wonderful trips together, including Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. As each of their six children flew the coop and scattered across the country, they would travel to visit them, not understanding why they were not all in Florida. Betty spent her last six years in Kalamazoo to be closer to her children, during which time she rediscovered her love of winter.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister. Remaining to celebrate her life are her six children, Dr. Eugene (Margaret) Agnone, Jr., Robert (Cathy) Agnone, Lucianne (Daniel) Conklin, Elizabeth (Kevin) Kelly, Dr. Louis (Beth) Agnone, Catherine (Carlo) Lucchesi, nineteen grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Betty on Tuesday, June 29, 11:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church with a time to visit with family beginning at 10 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Please visit Betty's online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com