Lucille M. Luccarelli Christianson, a lifelong resident of Holmdel, died at her home Aug. 12.
After graduating Holmdel High School in 1979, Lucille continued her education at Clarion University in Pennsylvania where she earned her degree in elementary and special education. Upon returning to Holmdel, propelled by the love and pride for her family, Lucille chose to work for Dearborn Farms, founded by her grandfather and expanded on by her parents Dolores and Dominick Luccarelli.
Lucille, her parents and her two brothers, Frank and D.J., developed the store into a premier specialty farm market. As part owner and the treasurer of the company, Lucille´s attention to detail was respected and her sincere personality was beloved by everyone who met her. After retiring from Dearborn Market, she chose a different career path by becoming the office manager of Garmany of Red Bank. She easily transitioned to her new position and relished the relationships that she formed with her boss and coworkers.
In her free time Lucille loved reading romance novels and cooking for her family. Her specialty dishes were her homemade meatballs and sauce as well as her famous tacos. Lucille loved to entertain for her family and friends and would prepare corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day and prepare a traditional family meal for Christmas Day dinner at her house. Her celebrations always extended to her close family and friends whom she considered family. While her children, Dominique and Sidney, were in Holmdel Schools, Lucille was an active volunteer in the school library and with the PTA, as well as helping with CCD at the Church of St. Catharine where she was a lifelong parishioner. Lucille was her children’s No. 1 supporter in sports, school and any achievement she could celebrate.
It all started for Lucille and her husband Sid at the top of White Face Mountain in Lake Placid, New York, where Sid proposed in the middle of a thunderstorm. They enjoyed their time spent together, sharing stories and creating forever memories, enjoying their favorite restaurants, going to Atlantic City, going to watch Broadway shows in the city, and spending their time at Sea Bright beach. Once the kids were born, Lucille and Sid would take them and go down to Boca Raton, Florida, to visit her mother. The whole family traveled there often, creating memories and laughs and, of course, playing cards.
Lucille had a great sense of humor which she loved to share with others. She enjoyed watching the Bravo channel’s “Real Housewives of New Jersey” and the Beverly Hills version, as well as “Love Island.” She found the drama amusing and would text her children throughout the show with her comical commentary. Lucille, a true romantic and empath, loved watching Nicholas Sparks movies and any movie with an emotional story. She was a big fan of the New Jersey Devils and New York Giants and always supported the teams by wearing her jersey to the games that she attended with her family and friends.
Her friendships were an important facet in her life. She maintained strong connections with friends throughout every phase of her life. Lucille was part of a group of friends who would gather regularly to play Pokeno where she would show her playful yet competitive side. She was blessed with a special friend group formed in high school known affectionately as “the Holmdel Girls.” With this group, Lucille took unforgettable girls’ trips to Florida and cherished their sisterhood.
Lucille was predeceased by her parents Dolores and Dominick Luccarelli.
Surviving are her best friend and love of her life of 26 years, her husband, Sidney A. Christianson Jr.; her most cherished children Dominique S. Christianson of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Sidney O. Christianson of Holmdel; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Susan Luccarelli of Copake, New York, and Domenico (D.J.) and Nila Luccarelli of Holmdel; and 18 nieces and nephews.
Visitation was Aug. 24 at Holmdel Funeral Home, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered Aug. 25 at the Church of St. Catharine, Holmdel. Entombment followed at Holmdel Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lucille’s memory to the Frances Foundation, 8 Bryce Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 or francesfoundation.net.
To share a favorite memory of Lucille or send a message of condolence, please visit her page of tributes at holmdelfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the August 26 – September 1, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
