Louisa Crispino Lengua Mittleman

It is with great sadness that we inform all who knew her that Louisa (nee Crispino) Mittleman passed away on May 21, 2021. She was a memorable character, with a strong personality, vivacious and quite a storyteller. She was devoted to her sons.

Louisa, Gigi to those close to her, was born in Rotondi, Avellino, Italy to Giuseppe Crispino and Antoinetta Picca. She had a sister, Saletta, and four brothers, Gennaro, Luigi, Roberto, and Davide. She moved to New York state, married Nicola Lengua, and had three sons, Gabriel, Nicholas, and John. She was widowed before John was born, and a single mother for a number of years. She had to contend with three highly active, curious, and boisterous boys.

She remarried several times, first to Charles Perkins, then Thomas Maron, and lastly to Harold Mittleman.

Her perseverance, drive, and mettle were further shown by her starting a cleaning service in the late ‘70s, which she operated for many years.

She enjoyed cooking hearty meals, decorating her home, and telling stories. Her sons have many fond memories of great meals, such as fresh baked bread with butter, big pans of lasagna, platters of eggplants parmigiana, and stuffed peppers. Her friends remember her feistiness, talking for hours, and laughing at her many stories.

The death of her son Nick last year was very difficult for her. She is survived by her brother Davide and sons Gabriel and John. She will be greatly missed and will be long remembered.  

Given the current difficulties with travel and gatherings, an online memorial will be held. Instead of flowers, her family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

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