SELMA LAPERA

Selma Barakatt Lapera passed away on Dec. 4, 2022. She was born in Stockton on Oct. 25, 1927 to Lebanese immigrants B.T. and Mamie Barakatt.

Selma grew up in a family with 7 children and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1945. She met Norman Lapera through a friend, and they married in 1950, eventually settling in San Leandro, where they raised 3 children.

When her children were older, Selma worked as a bookkeeper for Packwell Industries, but by 1976 both she and Norm retired. Norm convinced Selma to take a six-week cross-country trip in 1980 under one condition, she told him, “No camping!” They drove Back East and had a great time taking in the sights of America and visiting relatives and friends along the way.

In 2005 the couple moved to Lodi, so Selma could be closer to her twin sister, Elma and the rest of her large extended family.

Selma’s great love in life was spending time at family gatherings. Cooking for relatives and friends was her favorite thing to do and a source of much satisfaction and joy. She was a phenomenal cook of Lebanese cuisine, a skill she passed down to her grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Selma is survived by her daughter, Barbara Macedo (Jim) and her son, Norm Lapera Jr.(Laura); brothers, Edward Barakatt and Richard Barakatt; 5 grandchildren and 7 greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Norman, her son David, and four brothers and sisters.

A memorial mass will be held on Fri, Feb. 3rd at 11a.m. in St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 215 W. Walnut St., Lodi. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.