Melitta Luzia Bucciero

April 17, 1943 - March 24, 2021

Melitta Luzia Bucciero, 77, of Ashburn, Virginia, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at home in Ashburn, Virginia. Melitta is survived by her husband of nearly 52 years, Anthony Bucciero; daughter Michele Pennington; son David Bucciero; son-in-law Russ Pennington; daughter-in-law Diane Bucciero; grandchildren Caroline Pennington, Madeleine Pennington, William Pennington, Noah Bucciero and Isabella Bucciero; and sister Marianne Kalinke. She also leaves behind much-loved family here and in Germany, dear friends, and the countless students she touched over the years as a high school teacher. Born April 17, 1943, in Konigsberg, Germany, Melitta was the daughter of the late Johannes and Elfriede Kalinke. In 1950, she and her family set sail aboard the Queen Mary to begin a life in America. She grew up in New York City, where she graduated valedictorian of St. Vincent Ferrer High School. She was salutatorian of her graduating class at Good Counsel College and went on to earn a masters degree at the University of Virginia. In 1967 she went on a blind date with a young Italian named Tony, whom she married in 1969 and with whom she created a beautiful love story, marriage, and life. Together, they raised their daughter Michele and son David, spending their young parenting years watching soccer games and dance recitals, attending pinewood derbies and karate competitions, and driving to every kind of lesson imaginable: art, ice skating, swimming, and tennis, among others. Melitta warmly welcomed into her family her son-in-law Russ and daughter-in-law Diane. She was the proud grandmother of five: Caroline Luzia, Madeleine Rose, William Anthony Clay, Noah Anthony, and Isabella Grace, who have fond memories of her presence at their activities, performances, and competitions, and the time spent with her at the beach, trips, shows, and family celebrations. A gifted linguist, Melitta taught German, Spanish and Latin in Fairfax County Public Schools for 20 years, and left an impact on countless students, both as a teacher and as a compassionate and trusted mentor. Upon retirement, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, participating in theatre groups and book clubs, and spending time in her beloved Duck, N.C. Melitta and Tony also had the opportunity to travel extensively, culminating in two memorable trips with their children and grandchildren to Germany and Italy. A Memorial Visitation will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday March 28, 2021 at Loudoun Funeral Chapel located at 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, Va., 20175. A Catholic Mass will be held at 10:30am on Monday March 29, 2021 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church at 101 Oak Crest Manor drive, Leesburg, VA, 20176. Interment will be immediately following the Mass at Leesburg Union Cemetery, Leesburg, Va. In lieu of flowers you may make memorial donations to the Parkinson's Foundation in Melitta's honor by clicking here.