Obituary of Roma DeSerio

Roma DeSerio passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, March 10th, four months after celebrating her 100th birthday with many of her 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.  She is predeceased by her husband Sebastian; her grandson, Stephen; and her four siblings, Roger, Al, Elena and Yolanda.

Roma and Sebastian had their five children - Mark (Marie), Dan, Bob (Jean), Donna Bochnik (Joe) and Karen Lauder (Glenn) – while residing in the Bronx.  They built a home in New City in 1968, which Roma lived in for over 50 years.  While in Rockland, she learned to drive; and after brushing up on high school shorthand and passing the Civil Service test at the top of the list, she became employed in the County for the Commissioner of Social Services, where she stayed until retirement.  

Roma's passion was cooking for her family and friends.  Whether large parties in her backyard or holiday gatherings with her growing family, she made everyone feel welcomed and loved.  Roma also enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens and tended to them with great joy and a sense of wonder for nature.  She taught herself how to sew and made beautiful curtains, bedspreads and everything in between to make her house a home on a shoestring budget.  Roma loved to travel and enjoyed her trips, especially to Italy.  Most of all, she had a beautiful smile and loved to share an eye-tearing, hearty belly laugh!  She left her family with many beautiful memories and will be missed greatly.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16^th from 4pm-8pm at TJ McGowan Sons Funeral Home in Garnerville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 17^th, 11am at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church, Garnerville, followed by interment at Fred Loescher Veterans Cemetery, Spring Valley, NY.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roma’s memory to a hospice facility of your choice or the United Cerebral Palsy, Inc.