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Lydia 'Cici' Soluri, wife of longtime mayor, passes away

by jmaloni
Mon, Mar 5th 2012 11:20 am

Lydia S. Soluri (Manerino), "Cici," 71, of Lewiston, died Friday, March 2, 2012. She was born in Niagara Falls, a loving and devoted daughter to the late Louise and Joseph Manerino.

Her zest for life, kindness to others and love of children shined through each day. An artist in all she touched, her early career started with a degree in fashion design and opening her own clothing design studio, The Lydia Shoppe. She was an accomplished interior designer and owner of Cici's Cottage in Lewiston. Best known for her artistry with flowers, the gardens she professionally designed and tended would blossom each spring and burst into full bloom by summer, attracting visitors from near and far. Cici and her husband Richard's home of 30 years was her canvas, a showcase of her many talents, and also host to her exuberant hospitality with family and friends. Often seen power walking along Center Street and River Road, she had boundless energy enjoying a wide variety of activities, including ballet, Pilates, boot camp and spin class.

An active volunteer, she served in roles for Niagara University, the beautification of Lewiston, and the Heart, Love & Soul food pantry. The vibrant landscape she designed for Lewiston was fundamental to the revitalization of the village. She particularly enjoyed time spent creating bright moments for children. Recently, she organized a holiday event for the children of Heart, Love & Soul.

Above all, it was her artistry with people that was her true grace and gift, with her family being at the heart of her days. She found great joy and pride being active in her grandchildren's lives and children touched her heart.

Cici was the loving wife of Richard Soluri, who served as mayor of Lewiston for 16 years; the devoted mother of Samuel J. Mooradian of Clarence, Krista L. Mooradian of Chicago, Alice B. (Robert) Balon of Winnetka, Ill., Richard M. Soluri of Orlando, Fla., Jodie A. Williams (Donald Shaw) of Atlanta, Jacqueline A. (Eric) Hutton of Dayton, Ohio; she was the was mother-in-law of Sara Klein. Cici is also the adoring grandmother and great aunt of Lucas, James, Finn, Joseph, Christian, Elijah, Julianne, Ryan, Jessica, Morgan, Anthony, Jake, George, Maddie, Andy, Nathan and Sophia Marie; the caring sister of Louise "LuLu" (Thomas) Yots of Buffalo, and the late Ann "Cookie" (late Louis) D'Angelo; and the sister-in-law of Barbara (Hank) Holka of Niagara Falls. She was an entertaining aunt to many nieces and nephews, and the cousin of Thomas (Elaine) Baia of Youngstown.

Visitation will be Tuesday, from 3 to 7 p.m. at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Church, 620 Center St., Lewiston. Everyone please assemble at church. Entombment will be in the family mausoleum at St. Joseph Cemetery in Niagara Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 1073 Swann Road, Lewiston, NY 14092; to St. Peter's R.C. School, 140 N. Sixth St., Lewiston, NY 14092; or to the Niagara University nursing program, 5795 Lewiston Road, Niagara University, NY 14109.

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