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Rachel “Mema” Voulo
Rachel “Mema” Voulo of Center Moriches died in her sleep on Saturday, October 6, at the Pegasus House Palliative Care Center in Riverhead. She was 98.
Born in Brooklyn to Antonio and Giuseppina Brienza, on June 17, 1914, she learned how to sew at an early age and spent several years of her life sewing decorative beads and sequins on gowns. Her family thrived during the Great Depression and was helpful in enabling relatives and friends to assimilate in the United States after immigration from Italy.
Ms. Voulo was married in 1942, had three children, and moved to Long Island in 1979. Her family was her biggest joy. She loved listening to her granddaughter Jodi sing and play piano, but most of all she loved cooking for and being surrounded by her family. She loved to tell stories, some of which can be found on YouTube.
Ms. Voulo was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Salvatore Voulo and three siblings, Carmela Voulo, Annunziata Sullivan and Pasquale Brienza.
She is survived by three children, James Voulo and his wife Cathy of Leeds, Josephine Greco of Center Moriches, Michael Voulo and his wife Sherrie of Syracuse; and six grandchildren, Jodi Giambrone of Center Moriches, Jimmy Voulo, Anthony Voulo, Barbara Auger, Erica Relyea of upstate, New York, Amanda Wenzel of Florida, along with each of their respective spouses. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a brother, Rocco Brienza, of Staten Island.
The family received friends at Sinnickson’s Moriches Funeral Home in Center Moriches on Tuesday, October 9. A funeral was held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Center Moriches on Wednesday, October 10.
on Oct 9, 2012