Lina Pugliese

A life journey that began more than 94 years ago in Marina di Gioiosa, Calabria, Italy, came to a peaceful end on September 22, 2026, when Lina Pugliese of Tallmadge, Ohio, passed away surrounded by her loving family.

Born October 10, 1927, Lina began her life in a small village along the Ionian Sea in Calabria. She eventually made her home in Tallmadge, Ohio, where she lived for 67 years and built a beautiful life centered around her family.

Lina’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took immense pride in the accomplishments of those she loved. Her family was the heart of her world, and she treasured every opportunity to bring them together.

Lina will always be remembered for the love she shared through her cooking. She was a wonderful Italian cook, and her homemade meals became a cherished part of her family’s memories. From homemade pasta and sauces to meatballs, soups, and freshly baked bread, everything she prepared was made with love. Gatherings around Lina’s table were about much more than food—they were about family, laughter, tradition, and being together.

She also had a love for gardening and took great pride in her flowers, especially her roses. Lina enjoyed the beauty she created in her garden and found happiness in caring for her flowers. She was also a very social person who enjoyed playing Bingo and looked forward to her “Thursdays Out with the Girls,” when she could spend time with friends and enjoy their companionship.

One of the places that brought her great joy was her home in Cape Coral, Florida. She loved the warmth and beauty of her surroundings, especially the abundance of fruit trees that filled her yard. She took great pleasure in watching the fruit grow and, most of all, in sharing it with her family. Those simple moments—picking fresh fruit, gathering together, and enjoying the sunshine—became cherished memories for everyone who shared them with her.

Lina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Attilio; her parents, Immacolata and Luigi Femia; and her sisters, Rosina Pugliese and Angelina Chiera.

She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory in their hearts: her daughters, Maria Tustin of Green, Melina (Raymond Polombi Jr.) Pugliese of Jackson Township, and Jeanette Carson of Jackson Township; and her son, Frank (Lynn) Pugliese of Charleston, South Carolina.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Melissa (Eric) Parker of Macedonia, Jennifer (Matthew) Cullum of Canton, Michigan, Brandon Tustin of Cleveland, Caitlin (Andrew) Woods of Livonia, Michigan, Vincent (Theresa) Carson of Garner, North Carolina, Jeremy (Kayla) Norris, and Shiloh Norris, both of Charleston, South Carolina.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Sophia, Hazel, and Eloise Parker; Isabella and Ethan Cullum; Carson and Kennedy Woods; and Adhlynn and Asa Grace Norris. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy.

Although Lina’s life has come to an end, the love she gave her family will continue through the traditions she created, the meals she lovingly prepared, the flowers she carefully tended, and the countless memories shared around her table. Her family will forever cherish the love, warmth, and devotion she brought into their lives.

The family wishes to extend its thanks to the caregivers who provided loving care at her home.

Family and friends may call at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave., Tallmadge, Ohio, on Sunday, September 27, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, 77 North Ave., Tallmadge, Ohio. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Our Lady of Victory Facebook page.

Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lina’s memory to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. https://curealz.org/