Carmella M. Lisena

Lisena, Carmella M. (Carole), 96, of Sunrise, transitioned to heaven surrounded by her loving family on Monday, June 11, 2018.  Formerly of Irvington, New Jersey, she and her family moved to Sunrise in 1974.  She was born on November 16, 1921 in Newark, New Jersey, the 9^th child of Santo and Domenica (Lunella) Barretta who were thrilled to give their eight sons a sister.  Her mother passed away when she was a teenager leaving her the responsibility of preparing meals and keeping a neat home for her father and brothers.

Carmella was married to the late Dr. Felix A. Lisena, a well-known Chiropractor in Irvington, NJ, who passed away suddenly at 48 years of age, leaving her a single parent to their 4 children: Phyllis, Michael, Donna, and Carol.

After moving to Florida, she worked in the cafeteria at Plantation Middle School. She enjoyed serving the students their lunch. When she realized which students were having their only meal for the day, she gave them a little more on their plates.  She became Grandma to many students.

Devoted to her family and extended family, her greatest joy was spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Holiday dinners were always special as she enjoyed cooking in true Italian fashion.  There was always room at the table for her children’s friends and it was never a problem to add another chair.

Carmella was one of the original parishioners of St. Bernard Catholic Church and worshipped there regularly for 43 years. When she had trouble walking, she would stay seated and enjoy the many people coming to her each week just wanting to see how she was doing or to say hello.

Survivors left to cherish her memory are daughter Phyllis Rose and her husband Art of Tamarac; son Michael Lisena and his wife Barbara of Coconut Creek; daughter Donna Lisena Pagliuco of Port St. Lucie; daughter Carol Higgins and her husband Joe of Sunrise; and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Betty) Lisena.  She was the proud “Grandma” to 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren who loved her so much. 

Visitation will be held at T. M. Ralph Funeral Home, 7001 N. W. 4^th Street, Plantation, on Friday, June 15^th, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.  Services will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 8279 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, just west of University Drive, on Saturday, June 16^th, at 10:00 a.m.
Burial will follow immediately at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1500 S. State Road 7, North Lauderdale.