Obituary of Betty G. Scioscia

Elizabeth, "Betty" Grace Chessa Scioscia, age 98, of Bridgeport, peacefully passed away in her home on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Johnstown, PA on November 19, 1915, she was a daughter of the late Francesco and Chiovanna Barra Chessa. Betty had attended the Palmer Institute of Bridgeport, and later became a gifted seamstress. She was a significant contributor to the booming rise of the dress industry in Bridgeport and took an active role in supporting the Labor Unions (ILGWU). She was employed by Norman Dress and INJ Dress for over 50 years before her retirement in 1983. Betty was an extraordinary woman - a true matriarch, a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her determination, work ethic and positive approach to life were inspiring to all who knew her. Holy Rosary Church in Bridgeport was of great importance to her; she served as officers of St. Theresa's Guild and managed booths at the annual St. Anthony festivals. Betty was active in her community, serving in leadership roles in the University of Bridgeport's Italian Scholarship Committee, Marchegiana Ladies' Guild, and Columbus Boys. She prepared and served meals for the annual visits of The Marine Marching Band for the Columbus Day Festivities. In 1996, the Council of Italian American Societies presented Betty with their civic award. Her fine achievements were also recognized in a recently published book, "Farms, Factories, and Families: Italian American Women of Connecticut." In leisure, she enjoyed gardening, crocheting, playing cards and socializing with family and friends. Her true art was cooking and baking Italian specialties. Betty will be dearly missed and her life will continue to serve as an inspiration. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her loving family and friends. Survivors include a son, Robert J. Scioscia, Sr. (Mary Ann) of Huntington, two daughters, Betty Lou Cortigiano (Louis) of Shelton and Barbara Scioscia-Reed (Robert) of Trumbull, grandchildren, Robert J. Sciosica, Jr. (Amanda), Renee Fenton (Sean), Robin Scioscia (Joseph Hreschak), Richard Scioscia (Jennifer), Louis Cortigiano III (Nicole), Melissa Pellino (David), Leonard Cortigiano (Kerrie), Gina Moura (Anthony), Christina, Anna, Kasandra, Anastasia, Alex, Autumn, Michaela, Anthony and Emily Cortigiano, Jordan Reed (Jessica), Kevin Reed and Jane Bourke. She is also survived by 19 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her former husband, Carmen, a brother, John Chessa and sisters, Pauline Rassu, Mary Barra, Molly DeLotto, Josephine Rizzardi and Jean Smith. Funeral services will take place on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. directly in St. Margaret's Shrine, 2523 Park Ave., Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Relatives and friends may call on Sunday, July 27, 2014 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.