Obituary of Lilia S. Albergo
Lilia del Carmen Sanchez Montenegro Albergo, 85, of Monroe Township died Saturday, May 16, 2020, at Princeton Medical Center. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Lilia lived in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, before making New Jersey her home in 1982.
Fluent in four languages (Spanish, English, Portuguese and French), Lilia worked as an executive secretary with the Organization of American States (OAS) Science and Technology Department in Washington. In New Jersey, she embarked on a second career, as an interpreter and translator. She spent eight years trekking into Manhattan daily for work as a translator at Bancomer, then 20+ years working locally with Para-Plus Translations, Inc., interpreting in the court system and hospitals. Lilia was a member of the New York Circle of Translators, and greatly enjoyed the company of her erudite polyglot colleagues.
Lilia’s proudest personal accomplishment was becoming an American citizen in 1990, the culmination of her original journey from Colombia in 1960.
Lilia enjoyed many life-enriching interests and hobbies, including painting, sewing, gardening, and stamp collecting. She also loved history, art and literature. Her quest for knowledge was limitless and she built a rich library at home. Lilia's broad experiences, insights, knowledge and curiosity for life, along with her deep faith, enhanced her environment and fascinated those around her. Intelligent, resilient and persistent, Lilia was also described by those closest to her as loyal, strong and someone who could find beauty in things, even if not always evident to others. Her grandchildren appreciated her common sense and quest for knowledge.
Lilia was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Joseph Armand Albergo, and her beloved brother Ernesto Garcés of Colombia.
She is survived by daughter Gail Albergo of Durham, NC, son Mark Albergo of Monroe Township, brother Rafael Sanchez of Venezuela, niece Lillian Sanchez of Sonoma, California, three grandchildren: Isabella, Malcolm and Antonio, and many extended family and friends.
Out of respect and concern for public health and safety, funeral services are private and are being held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: St. James the Less Roman Catholic Church, 36 Lincoln Ave, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 or to the charity of one's choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lilia Albergo, please visit Tribute Store
