Tillie Lazio

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Friday, May 12, 2023, Mrs. Matilda “Tillie” Katherine Lazio, 98, loving wife of the late Michael J. Lazio.

Born and raised in Geneva, NY, Tillie was a dedicated mother and loving wife. Her love of family was an important part of her life. She was an adventurous, amazing, beautiful, gracious, generous, independent, kind,
loving, polite, patient, pragmatic and welcoming woman.

After high school, she was recruited by the FBI where she lived in Washington DC. During one Christmas visit home, she was swept off her feet by a handsome, tall, dashing Italian man, Mike Lazio. They were married in 1950 and then moved to Barranquilla, Colombia to begin their lifelong journey of raising their family. She and Mike had four children while residing in Colombia and then they moved to Caracas, Venezuela, where they had two more children.

Tillie was a pioneering woman in many ways. She taught herself Spanish and immersed herself into the South American culture. She was well known for her culinary skills, offering cooking classes from her own home, and treating family and friends to delicious meals. In the late 1990’s, after Mike retired, they returned to the United States to be close to the family, as he had promised her. Tillie always had many colorful stories to share about living in South America. Her resilience and positive attitude set a good example for her children. She was a role model in many ways, especially as a mother. Her kindness touched the lives of everyone who met and cared for her, even up to her last days. May she rest in peace with Mike watching over all of us. We will miss her dearly.

Family members include her children: Sandra Wilcox (the late Michael), Deborah Lazio (Dave Polce), Joe Lazio (Momoy), Gail Lazio-Xavier (Mathew), Phil Lazio (Rita), and Michelle Migone (the late Humberto); grandchildren: Derek Wilcox (Valerie), Kyle Wilcox (Kaitlin), Mike Lazio, Victoria Lazio, and Juan Migone; great grandchildren: Maria, Wyatt, Lawrence, Thomas, and James Wilcox; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her siblings, Tony Polce, John Polce, Ernestine Ashton, Ponzi Polce, and Rudy Polce.

The funeral Mass will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church with Fr. Pablo Migone celebrant. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 10:15 A.M., at the church. A burial service will be held at a later date in Geneva, New York.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, 1101 15th St, Augusta, GA 30901.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com