It is with heavy hearts that my sister Celia and I (Aleta) convey the devastating news that our mother, Lucia Capacchione, took her own life on Monday, November 28 after a three-month battle with depression and anxiety.

Lucia reached out to us for help in August this year. She described her symptoms, stating that she was experiencing brain fog, depression, and anxiety and was unable to work. Extensive testing confirmed that she was in perfect physical health. Her family, partner, and friends were doing all they could to help her recover from her mental health disorder. We coordinated a large loving network to support her. We were working with her and focusing on her recovery process. She was accepting our support and assistance. Everyone recognized that she wasn’t herself and needed space, care, and time to recover.

In late September, Lucia attempted a failed suicide. She stated that this was a cry for help, not a serious effort. She was hospitalized for a short time and returned home. While in the hospital, she was diagnosed with “adjustment disorder,” an extreme emotional response to a situational circumstance (this was not a long-term chronic issue). We worked closely with a team of professionals to assist in her recovery process.

At that moment, it was clear to all parties involved that she could not attend to business, financial, or medical decisions. We took measures to assist her with these matters to relieve her of those burdens, which were causing her tremendous stress. A triggering event exacerbated her condition and ultimately defeated her.

We think it’s important to be transparent with the CJEA community about Lucia’s cause of death. We believe that had mother recovered she would have shared her story and experience, as she always did, in order to help others.

Over the span of her life’s work, mom was dedicated to destigmatizing mental illness. She helped hundreds, if not thousands, through the transformative healing power of writing, art, and creative expression. In addition to empowering the creativity of others, she was a prolific artist. There was no way to be around our mother without being creative. Art and creativity were integral aspects of her parenting style and a formative part of our childhood. We are proud and gratified by the magnitude of her work and the good she did in the world. She made a substantial positive contribution to humankind.

We understand that hearing about a person taking their own life can trigger suicidal ideations. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we implore you to seek professional help, as well as the support of family and friends. If a friend, loved one, or family member is struggling, remember that recovery should be first and foremost, and takes time and patience. People suffering from mental illness are not themselves. We urge you to take mental illness very seriously. Not doing so can have tragic consequences.

We want to thank all of those individuals who made efforts to reach out to Lucia and support her during this difficult time. Your kind and loving interactions visibly and consistently improved her condition and we are very grateful for your friendship and commitment.

We want to assure you that we are dedicated to celebrating and continuing our mother’s work and legacy. We’ve created a special website to share and read stories about Lucia and her impact and her far-reaching influence. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at and put the word MY STORY in the subject and send to:

If you would like to be informed of any remembrances or celebrations of her life in the coming months please send us an email with your contact information including your email, phone number and city, and state, and put the words KEEP ME INFORMED in the subject and send to:

If you wish to do both, please send us two separate emails for each topic MY STORY, or KEEP ME INFORMED to help us keep track.

Aleta Francis & Celia Pearce