Christine Liuzzi, a resident of Bay Shore for 44 years, was a modern woman of science in a time when most women aspired to be only good wives and mothers. For this reason, "she was a role model," according to her daughter Angela.

Christine Liuzzi, a microbiologist died July 5th 2008 at the age of 88.

For many years, Mrs. Liuzzi had her own laboratory in Islip, testing cosmetics and drugs, until her retirement in 1980.

During World War II, she wanted to volunteer in the armed forces, but was denied because of a physical disability. Instead, she devoted her time to volunteering at Fort Totten in Queens as a biologist. She checked the blood of personnel going abroad, including Frank Sinatra.

"She was very proud of her work during World War II," said her daughter who added that her mother's name is listed on the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.

Although Mrs. Liuzzi was a busy, hardworking woman, she always had time for her family.

"She was a live wire who worked hard and played hard, and was extremely loving towards her family, and was a great example to her children," said her son-in-law Bohdan.

"She was a wonderful, fun mom who believed in education, and always encouraged her children to pursue higher education, but also believed they had a right to do whatever they loved," added her daughter Angela.

Her daughter also remembers her mother being there for her and her siblings as they were growing up, volunteering her time as they participated in activities.

"One year we were in a school play, and she let us use her furniture as props," recalled her daughter.

Mrs. Liuzzi also enjoyed cooking, crocheting, knitting and gardening and was a cat lover. Her family said she always had at least 10 around the house. "Some she adopted and others she took in as strays," said her son-in-law.

In addition to her daughter Angela, and son-in-law Bohdan Fedun of Rockville Centre, Mrs.. Liuzzi is survived by her other children, Frank of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tony and Vicky Calabro of Seaford. Her grandchildren, Ian, Dana and Nicholas, also survive her, as do her sisters Anna Rose Baracco and Millie Martorano, and her goddaughter Donna Schmidt. She was predeceased by her husband Marco.

Mrs. Liuzzi reposed at the Overton Funeral Home in Bay Shore. A Mass of Christian Burial was said Wed., July 9 at 11 am, at St. Patrick's R.C. Church in Bay Shore. Interment followed at the St. John of God Cemetery, Central Islip.