Elizabeth (“Betty”) Luma (nee Armentano) — “Nana”

Elizabeth (“Betty”) Luma, lovingly known as “Nana” passed away on August 3rd surrounded by loved ones into the loving arms of Jesus. She lived a remarkable 108 years filled with love, laughter, family, friendship, and a wonderful sense of independence.

Betty was the oldest of ten children born to Italian immigrant parents in Hazelton, PA. Her father was a coal miner who was buried alive multiple times. Betty and her family eventually settled in Mt. Vernon, New York. Betty grew up with family at the center of her life. Her home was often the gathering place for celebrations, filled with laughter, lively conversation, and the irresistible aromas of her Italian cooking. Betty was the proud mother of four children – Charles Luma and Arlene Newman (both of whom predeceased her); Donna Bourassa and Janet Butelo; the grandmother of eight grandchildren and the great-grandmother of 18 great-grandchildren.

Among her many joys were walking, golf, pinochle, cooking, and gardening. She was an exceptional cook and loved sharing her recipes with anyone who asked. She would gladly explain every ingredient and technique in detail, making sure others could recreate her dishes just as she did. Her garden was another expression of her creativity. She had an extraordinary green thumb and could take even the smallest clipping, nurture it with care, and turn it into a thriving plant.

Betty was also fiercely independent and had a spirited personality that stayed with her throughout her long life. One of her many nicknames was “Leadfoot.” At 104, she received a speeding ticket and was adamant that the officer was mistaken—she insisted he was lying. Even well into her later years, she drove herself weekly to the senior center to play pinochle, where she usually swept her opponents under the carpet.

She also embraced the simple pleasures of life. At 102, Elizabeth had her first In-N-Out Burger, and the Double-Double quickly became one of her favorites.

Elizabeth endured the loss of many of the people she loved. She outlived most of her family, including two of her children, one of her grandchildren and all nine of her younger siblings and many dear friends. She lost her husband, Nicholas Luma, the love of her life, at the young age of 61. She never remarried. Instead, she found strength and companionship in her family and friendships, which sustained and enriched her life through the many years that followed.

Elizabeth’s 108 years were a testament to her resilience, independence, humor, generosity, and enormous capacity for love. She leaves behind not only memories, recipes, gardens, and stories, but a legacy of a life lived fully and with passion and purpose.

She will always be remembered as Nana — the heart of the family, the keeper of the recipes, the gardener, the card shark, pinochle player, the Leadfoot, and a woman who made 108 years count.