Liliana Baratti

Liliana Gina Baratti, a woman of unwavering strength and resilience, departed from this world on December 01, 2023, at the age of 80. She lived in Hartsville, SC. Born amid the turmoil of World War II on January 18, 1943, in a hotel in the city of Formia, Italy. Liliana’s origins intertwined the diverse threads of her mother Pasqualina “Lina” de Falco’s Neapolitan heritage and her father Arnaldo Baratti’s northern Italian roots. She had three siblings, Mario Baratti Sr. of Wisconsin; Leda Baratti Basile of Naples (deceased); and Valentino Baratti of Naples (deceased). Liliana's life journey unfolded amidst a series of poignant and challenging events right from the onset. Born in the midst of wartime chaos, she entered the world outside the secure walls of a hospital, a testament to the turbulence of the era in which she was born. In her earliest years, as a mere toddler, Liliana confronted the heart-wrenching loss of her infant brother, Valentino. Valentino's unexpected passing at the fragile age of six months, cast a shadow over Liliana’s young life, a sorrowful event attributed to a congenital heart defect that left an indelible mark on her formative years. The tumultuous impact of war compelled Liliana's parents to make a poignant decision – entrusting her care to her Zia Dora Maria. These years spent under the nurturing wing of her Zia became the sanctuary of Liliana's youth, marked by warmth and affection amidst the disorder. However, the comforting embrace of her Zia was abruptly severed when Liliana was merely six years old, as her beloved guardian passed away. Instead of returning to the embrace of her parents, Liliana's path diverged once more, leading her to a Catholic boarding school. There, she embarked on a new chapter of her life, navigating the corridors of education and growth, as she grappled with the absence of her cherished Zia. In her quest to be nearer to her family and wishing a return to the comforting embrace of homelife, Liliana embarked on a daring pursuit, intentionally courting trouble within the confines of her school. She deliberately sought actions that would lead to her expulsion. Recollections of her mischievous escapades lingered vividly in her memory, with tales of her enterprising exploits filling her conversations. One particularly memorable incident involved Liliana and a childhood companion conspiring to place toothpaste in the shoes of a nun. Though her actions resulted in disciplinary consequences, Liliana fondly reminisced about this mischievous episode, finding joy in the audacity of her youthful endeavors. Yet, despite her hopes, the consequences did not lead to her desired outcome; she remained tethered to the confines of the school, longing for home and family. Despite the physical distance that separated her from her family, Liliana held onto precious memories of holiday reunions, each visit becoming a cherished tapestry of love and shared traditions. Among the most treasured customs were those rooted in her Napolitano heritage, particularly the vibrant celebrations of Easter. This annual festivity held a special place in her heart, with the family gathering for a picturesque picnic on Easter Monday, a tradition that infused her life with the warmth of familial bonds. At G. Mazzini Distretto Istituto Magistrale Statale Scolastico N. 42, she successfully completed high school. Eager to further her knowledge, Liliana enrolled in accounting classes at a local technical college in Naples, embarking on a path of academic pursuit. However, destiny took an unforeseen turn when, prior to completing her college education, she met a young United States Navy serviceman named Terry Lee Lewis. Their fateful meeting unfolded in the vibrant atmosphere of a Naples dance hall, sparking a whirlwind romance that would alter the course of Liliana's life. The magnetic connection between Liliana and Terry led her away from the pursuit of an accounting degree, redirecting her focus toward the blossoming chapters of love and family. By the brisk winter of December 1962, their union led them across the Atlantic to the United States, where they planted the seeds of a burgeoning family. The transition to life in South Carolina marked a profound departure from the familiarity of her Naples upbringing. Dreams of a ranch akin to the grandeur of the Cartwrights' estate from the television show "Bonanza" initially fueled Liliana's expectations. However, the reality that awaited her proved to be a stark contrast. Instead of a sprawling ranch, their new residence would be Terry’s grandmother’s home which was a modest dwelling nestled within the expansive cotton fields of rural Darlington County. The absence of indoor plumbing unveiled itself as a stark reminder of the divergence between expectation and reality. The quaint homestead offered Liliana a rustic charm yet challenged her accustomed comforts. The discovery that the lady's room was a typical country outhouse added a touch of rural authenticity to her daily life. Even her evening bath transformed into a ritual, involving the filling of a substantial tub with hot water, heated by the warmth of a kerosene stove positioned in the heart of the living room. The contrast between the television-inspired reverie and the actuality of their homestead epitomized the often and unexpected nature of Liliana's new life in the United States. Liliana and Terry had three children, Corbett (Ann-Marie) Lewis of Lexington, SC, Terry (Kelly) Lewis of Darlington, SC, and Anthony “Tony” (Elaine) Lewis of Hartsville, SC. While Liliana and Terry did not remain married, they did stay in touch throughout their lives. The immigrant experience proved to be a formidable challenge for Liliana, as she willingly left from her family and beloved homeland to embark on an uncertain journey in a foreign land alongside her husband. The transition was fraught with many difficulties, amplified by the struggle to navigate a language barrier in a land that was unwelcoming to foreigners. Faced with the absence of translators and grappling with being an outsider, Liliana confronted the arduous task of carving a niche for herself in rural America, driven by an unwavering determination to supply a stable home for her children. Her journey to linguistic fluency was a testament to her resilience. Through countless hours spent watching television shows with her eldest son, Corbett, Liliana gradually learned the English language. Despite this linguistic transformation, the echoes of her Italian heritage lingered in her speech, as her distinctive Italian accent endured. Meeting her for the first time, one might be transported to the streets of Italy, even though Liliana had been in the United States for over six decades. Her journey as an immigrant not only highlighted her tenacity but also painted a vivid portrait of the enduring connection between her past and the new life she tirelessly built in America. As Liliana's grasp of the English language strengthened, she embarked on a journey to contribute to her family's well-being. Fueled by her robust computational skills, she quickly ascended the professional ladder, earning promotions into managerial roles early in her career. Undeterred by the prejudices she faced, Liliana devoted two decades to managing several convenience stores in the Pee Dee region of the state, where her tireless work ethic left an indelible mark. Her innate desire to aid others, particularly those with disabilities, illuminated a compassionate side of Liliana's character. This altruistic inclination propelled her back to the realms of education at the age of 58, as she pursued and successfully obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant certification at the Chris Logan Career College in Florence, SC. In her newfound role, Liliana transcended the conventional caregiver dynamic, becoming a source of familial support to those under her care. Despite the inevitable heartache associated with the loss of individuals she considered kin, Liliana's enduring connections with those she served became a testament to the profound impact of her compassionate spirit. Liliana discovered profound solace in two intricately woven realms, each offering a distinct yet interconnected sanctuary. The first, a cherished bond with her dear Italian confidante, LeoNilda "Nilda" Harrell, unfolded as a narrative of shared memories and cultural ties, intricately threading familiarity into the fabric of Liliana's American life. United by a profound love for their homeland, Liliana and Nilda spent countless hours immersed in the warmth of homemade Espresso, meandering through bustling marketplaces during shopping escapades, and engaging in heartfelt conversations about the intricate nuances of their respective homelands and beloved families. In an unexpected yet poignant turn of events, Liliana assumed the role of caregiver during the last four years of Nilda's life, solidifying their connection in a profound and selfless manner. Nilda's departure in 1996 cast a palpable void in Liliana's world, leaving an irreplaceable gap in the intricate tapestry of her daily existence. Reflecting on their enduring bond, Liliana eloquently expressed that having Nilda in South Carolina felt akin to having a cherished piece of Naples, a tangible connection to their shared heritage that supplied comfort and familiarity amidst the complexities of life in a foreign land. The second sanctuary in Liliana's life lay in the thought of a stalwart figure living in Wisconsin—her brother, Mario—an unwavering beacon of support amid the intricacies of navigating American existence. As Liliana's gaze traversed the vast expanse of the nation, she envisioned not only the warm camaraderie shared with Nilda but also the profound and unyielding connection with Mario. Despite living in the upper reaches of the United States, Mario was not merely a family member; he was a constant and cherished presence, a wellspring of wisdom sought to illuminate their shared American journey. Liliana's earthly narrative was gracefully ushered into eternity, preceded by the tender farewells to her mother, Lina, her father, Arnaldo, sister, Leda, and brother, Valentino. The torchbearer of her familial lineage, she is survived by her brother, Mario, and the vibrant tapestry of descendants that includes her three sons, Corbett (Ann-Marie), Terry (Kelly), and Tony (Elaine), along with a cascade of cherished grandchildren. Among them, Austin Lewis of Lexington, SC; Christopher (Victoria) Lewis of Falls Church, VA; Matthew Lewis of Easley, SC; Taylor (Brook) Lewis of Lexington, SC; Grayson Lewis of Lexington, SC; Mary-Catherine Annalina Lewis of Lexington, SC; Copeland Lewis of New York, NY; and AJ Lewis of Hartsville, SC, stand as living testaments to her enduring legacy. The newest addition to this familial panorama, great-grandson Carson Lewis, took his first breaths just a few short hours after Liliana's last. In the poignant twilight of Liliana's final moments, a profound anticipation enveloped her spirit, eager for the imminent arrival of her great-grandson. Furthermore, her heart radiated with warmth, anticipating the forthcoming February nuptials of her grandson, Matthew, to the enchanting Miss Kaitie Counts. Casting a hopeful gaze into the future, Liliana harbored the desire that her beloved grandson Austin would one day enter into the bonds of holy matrimony with the Miss Caitlin Reilly, thus weaving an intricate and bittersweet tapestry that would transcend generations, echoing the threads of life and legacy. In the serene moments between reading the Bible, the aroma of simmering Italian dishes, and the shared creation of recipes, Liliana discovered profound solace. This was especially evident during the recent Thanksgiving celebration, where she joyfully imparted culinary traditions to her daughter-inlaw, Ann-Marie. Her strength emanated from the tender threads of connection woven during visits and heartfelt conversations with cherished friends and family, most notably her sister-in-law, Rhonda Lewis Dubose, and her devoted daughter-in-law, Ann-Marie Lewis. A tapestry of deep affection for her homeland and unwavering commitment to Italian customs colored Liliana's life, a testament to her enduring love for her country. Despite the sacrifices made for her sons' well-being by choosing to live in America, she clung to a poignant dream — the prospect of one final return to her beloved homeland. As Liliana's journey on this earthly plane concludes, may she find everlasting tranquility, and may the indomitable spirit she cultivated persist in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known and loved her. The family of Liliana extends profound gratitude for the comforting presence of her friends in her life, and they hold dear the collective thoughts and prayers offered during this poignant and challenging time. A Mass of Christian Burial for Liliana will be celebrated on Friday December 22, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2350 Augusta Highway, Lexington, SC 29072, with Fr. Joseph Romanoski presiding. Interment in the Corpus Christi Catholic Church Columbarium will follow upon completion of the Mass. *Flowers may be sent to the church: Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2350 Augusta Highway, Lexington South Carolina 29072. Memorial service is planned for Friday, December 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the church.

Liliana Baratti

February 18, 1945 - December 1, 2023