Laura Tunzi “Nonna” Westcott

WILMINGTON - Laura Tunzi “Nonna” Westcott, age 82, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Born in Bari, Italy on August 26, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Matteo Tunzi and Anna T. Tunzi. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William T. Westcott, Jr.; sister, Mary T. Fiore; brother, Joseph Tunzi; sister-in-law, Evelyn Tunzi; nephew, Matt Tunzi; and grandson, Matthew Thomas Westcott. Heaven received a new angel on December 17, 2016 at 10:42 a.m. Laura was a strong and inspirational woman. She was known and valued by so many and it is certain that there are many hearts breaking with her loss. Laura was better known as Nonna, a little Italian woman with a very big presence in the room. She originally was born in Bari, Italy and made her way to the United States with her beloved family. She eventually ended up in Rocky Mount where she and her husband became affiliated with the church they cherished for 48 years, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Laura worked as a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise owner for 48 years, until she was 79 years old. She worked even harder protecting and supporting her family that she treasured more than anything. Her children and grandchildren were her reason for existence. A Sunday at Nonnas was a family tradition with great food, love, and laughter. The love those feel for her can never be weakened. She will always be remembered and missed dearly. Laura leaves behind to cherish her memory, sons, William T. Westcott, III of Simpsonville, SC; James E. Westcott and wife, Andrea, of Virginia Beach VA; and Matthew S. Westcott, and wife, Becky, of Raleigh; and daughter, Donna W. Savage and husband, Charles, of Wilmington. She is also survived by grandchildren, Maria Savage; Casey S. Davis and husband, Shea; Jordan Westcott; Kylie Westcott; Nick Westcott; Spencer Westcott; Anna Westcott; Will Westcott; Jack Westcott; and Ford Westcott; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Mason, Miles, and Brinley; brothers, Vincent Tunzi and Dominic Tunzi; several nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount with the Father Tim Meares officiating. Burial will follow in the Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM with a Rosary being recited at 8:30 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 930 B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834 or Autism Society, 4340 East-West Hwy., Suite 350, Bethesda, MD 20814. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Wednesday 12/21, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 331 Hammond Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-972-0452 --> | Thursday 12/22, 11:00 am Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804