Lucrecia M. Marcasoli died on Sunday, July 23, 2017, her 76th birthday. She was born in Bell Ville, Co'rdoba, Argentina to parents whose families immigrated to Argentina from Italy.

A native Spanish speaker, Lu had a zest for learning and began studies of the English language at a young age. After finishing high school she pursued an English degree at Universidad Nacional de Co'rdoba and then taught English as a Second Language. However, it was her artistic nature that prevailed eventually. A talented ceramic artist, Lu owned an art studio in Argentina before bringing her artistic skills to the United States.

An adventurous, highly motivated free spirit, she moved to New York in 1981 not knowing anyone yet immediately found a job as a nanny with a family in a Suburb of New York City. The mother in the family quickly discovered another perk in hiring the au pair who spoke fluent English. Lu was an avid tennis player and her employer enjoyed many matches with her on their home's tennis court.

After a while, Lu moved to Queens, New York and worked in the flower district of Manhattan. An employer realized her natural talent in floral design which led to her making arrangements for noted clients, including the Guggenheim Museum. Nonetheless, Lu's long range goal was to start her own business and she supplemented her earnings by taking other jobs, even delivering newspapers in the wee morning hours before she went to work in the City.

In the late 1980's she moved to Huntington Station, Long Island, bought a small house and opened in her home an art studio and business, L.M. Ceramic Art Pieces. She created a line of decorative, highly realistic, hand painted ceramic fruits and vegetables which truly fooled the eye. Lu showcased her work as a wholesaler at trade shows such as the New York International Gift Fair and it caught the attention of many high end gift retailers throughout the U.S. and some abroad. Her small business was becoming successful and a few years later she bought a larger house and moved her studio to Coram, Long Island where she continued to enjoy her passion to create beautiful art work. In addition to her main line, Lu painted stunning tiles, vases and hand painted furniture. Her energy and creative zeal were boundless.

In 2003, Lu retired and moved with her life partner, Allie Parish to Mount Dora where she lovingly channeled that artistic passion and vission in renovating a second home they bought soon after moving to Florida. After the 2+ years project was completed, Lu found time to play tennis before discovering Zumba at the Golden Triangle "Y". Always a lover of music and dance from the tangos of Argentina and beyond, Lu found Zumba to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of her life.

Not suspecting that the Zumba classes she attended in June would be her last, Lu bravely faced illness that sent her to the hospital for ten days and then to skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation after suffering a stroke while hospitalized. She was relieved of her pain and found peace in the early morning hours.
Lucrecia "Lu" Marcasoli will be sorely missed by her partner Allie and many friends on Long Island and the Triangle area.

Those who desire to make a tribute to Lu's memory may consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. Visit alz.org for information.