Carmela LaMalfa

On March 8, 2021, at the age of 92, on her mother’s birthday, Carmela (Speranza) La Malfa joined her beloved parents, sister, and husband to watch over us all – in a different way.
Carmela was born in Rochester N.Y. on May 31, 1928. She grew up loving to read, travel, dance, play the accordion, and participate on bowling leagues. Always impeccably dressed growing up, she was involved in many activities with her Sorority Sisters from Webster High School – and maintained those friendships right up until the very end. After graduating from business school, she began working at A.O. Smith Corporation. She loved her many different job positions and always made lasting friendships wherever she worked. She met her husband Joe on a trip to Canada. They were married on July 2, 1955 and set up their household and family in Rochester – where they raised their daughters in the home that Joe built himself.
They made the big move to California in 1985 just after their first granddaughter was born. Though fearful of this big change, she trusted in her husband to make the right decision – and she has enjoyed being near her daughters and family, creating many friendships and memories over the last 36 years – yet always feeling that a little part of her was still back in the hometown of Rochester that she so loved. Carmela was previously a member of the Simi Valley Italian American Club, and the Senior Citizen Center, where she enjoyed mingling with the ladies, participating in Zumba classes, taking senior trips to such places as Vegas, Palm Springs, and numerous plays and performances.
Over the years she had held many different job positions, including Real Estate Salesperson in NY, before finally returning to her love as an Administrative Assistant. Her last position was at Simi Valley Hospital – where she continued to work until the age of 82. She maintained many friendships (often decades younger) with several of her workmates/bosses until this very day.
Carmela, known for her cooking and love of entertaining, was happiest with a houseful of people where she would turn out a spread of food – enough to feed the neighborhood. From Pizza to Pickled Peppers – she was always busy cooking, canning or baking something.
She is survived and loved by her two daughters, Carol Thorne Godwin (son-in-law Mark Godwin), Sylvia LaMalfa (son-in-law Patrick Montoya), brother Joe Speranza, 4 grandchildren – Jillian, Justin, Jordan and Jessie; and many nieces and nephews.