A love letter to my mother. Written by Cheryl Bucci.
My mother was born on June 17, 1949, in West Babylon, NY – a town in Suffolk County on Long Island, New York. Her parents, Norman Leistman and Velia Ruoppoli, met in Naples Italy when my grandfather, Norman, was stationed there as an American Serviceman in World War II. My mother was raised in West Babylon along with her older brother, George, and her younger sisters, Lynn and Bridgette.
My mother and father were married in 1969 and moved to Brooklyn, NY. Once I was born, we moved out to the town of Lynbrook in Nassau County, Long Island, New York. My mother had a number of careers – retail sales, jeweler, real estate agent, and for the last decade or so of her working career – she worked reception and billing in multiple doctors’ offices. She was a woman of many talents, and in her retirement became an avid antique and craft hobbyist – who sold her pieces at The Treasure Chest in Alexandria, LA and Pineville, LA.
After my mother and father divorced, my mother moved to Louisiana in 1995 to be closer to her family, who all migrated down to Louisiana to be close together. Velia’s sister, Elena, married Archibald Mathews of Alexandria and settled in town, as did Velia’s brother and his wife, Alfred and Loretta Ruoppoli, moving from Long Island, New York. Mom moved to her current residence in the late 1999s and has been there ever since.
My mom was a strong, independent woman, who was proud of her Italian heritage and New York roots. She never lost her New York accent and would always refer to herself as a “Yankee”, even after living in Louisiana for 30 years. She infused life with Italian traditions, food, and words – though most of those words were used to yell at me or someone else in the family – and she loved sharing those experiences with everyone around her.
For so much of her life she was always busy doing something – whether going to garage sales or lunching with friends or making windchimes – my mother was a do-er. She was also the most capable person I’ve ever met – whether it be mending clothes with holes, stabilizing chairs with wobbly legs, or fixing picture frames and toys. Anything could get a good fix in her hands.
Mom could make friends with anyone – and would frequently tell strangers a funny story – whether while shopping or waiting at the doctor. Many times, she’d make others or herself laugh till they cried… or peed… or both. She lived with joy and brought it to everyone she met. This is evident in the outpouring of visits and well-wishes she received from so many people in the last few years of her life, when she bravely battled colon and stomach cancer. There were always people coming and going out of her house – and she’d hold court in her recliner just ordering everyone around – which is something she also loved doing.
My mother was, without a doubt, the best mother, sister, niece, aunt, grandmother, and friend in the world. She was loyal beyond belief. She never wavered in her love for me – no matter how I succeeded or failed. She always told me that we would never let anything come between us – whether we had differences of opinion or arguments – our relationship overcame it all and she was a shining light during every tough time I ever had. She was the most loving grandmother to my children – Henry and Caroline – who have grown up knowing that Nana would always have gifts, hugs, back scratches and hair brushing ready for them when they saw her. She loved her family with a fierceness that made her the ultimate matriarch. Mom had everyone’s back always, and we knew it. There was never a time when you weren’t welcome in her home, and we gathered with her whenever we could. We even watched hours of shows with her about big foot, ancient aliens, and Maine cabins – cherishing the time we got to be in her presence – because she was pure, fierce, selfless love.
Mom – you made this family strong and filled with love, and I am me only because of your courage, your support, and your convictions. You built a network of friends around you who celebrate laughter and creativity. No one will ever forget you – you will be with us, in our hearts forever. WE LOVE YOU.
Victoria is survived by her brother and sisters – and George Leistman, Lynn (Leistman) McCloskey, and Bridgette Volpi, her daughter – Cheryl Bucci, her grandson and granddaughter – Henry Abel and Caroline Abel, her aunt – Loretta Ruoppoli, her nephews and nieces – Kevin Leistman, John McCloskey, Jr., Lauren Leistman, and Margaret McCloskey, her best friend – Anne Cross, her pet bird (a 22 year old cockatiel) – Sunny, and her dog (an 11 year old Cavapoo) – Oreo.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Velia (Ruoppoli) Leistman and Norman Leistman, her beloved dogs, Cookie and Dino.
Victoria Emelia Bucci, 76, of Alexandria, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in her residence.