Bessie Lucille Piazza's Obituary
On October 21, 2024, Bessie Lucille Baker Piazza went to be with her Lord. She was 104 years old, and an Oklahoma Centenarian. Lucy (as she was known) was born on February 25, 1920 to Ross and Laura Baker in Big Holler, Oklahoma aka Yonkers, Oklahoma. She was the 3rd daughter, 5th child of 13 children. They were called “The Baker’s Dozen”. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Ross and Laura, husband of 44 years, Samuel Piazza, three brothers: Bake, George & Bob, nine sisters: Hallie, Ina, Velma, Elsie, Della, Millie, Jean, Geri, Imagene, and several nieces and nephews.
In her younger years, Lucy worked at McDonnell Douglas, American Airlines, and Gulf-Mart. She was beautiful and very attentive to her appearance throughout her lifetime. People often commented how much younger she looked than her actual age even at 100 years old. She shared her many talents of painting, wallpapering, decorating and garage sales with her sisters, nieces and nephews. She never had children of her own but loved being involved with all family members through babysitting, parties, shopping, trips, and of course garage sales...her favorite. She also became an excellent artist in oil painting in her later years. She loved shopping for antiques, attending flea markets, and she and Sam were avid clock collectors for many years. They were longtime members of the Tulsa Clock Club.
Lucy always told her nieces and nephews “I’m a toughy”! and all of them will attest to the fact that she was never afraid of hard work or getting her hands dirty, and she would do just about anything. Lucy helped her large family through sickness, tragedy, and sorrow on many occasions.
After Sam’s death, she lived alone and maintained their home and yard for almost 10 years. At 91 years of age, she moved to Covenant Living at Inverness where she resided in her newly decorated apartment in the colors she loved, and was able to enjoy the company of two of her sisters, Elsie and Della, who also lived there until their passing. She then had to move into 24-7 care in the skilled nursing facility of Inverness from the age of 99-104. She always voiced her appreciation of the wonderful care she received from the kind and caring staff members.
While at Inverness she became an avid watcher of two television shows: The Bachelor, and most importantly, FOX News (Ch 52) focusing on politics! She consistently gave her opinion on world events. She loved discussing politics IF you were in agreement with her. Her newly found political enthusiasm was quite fun for family members.
The visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, on Friday, October 25th, at Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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