My beautiful Nonna. I always thought of her as one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. She WAS one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. She had gentle blue eyes, flawless skin, the most perfect nose and face, a contagious smile, rosy cheeks and lips. She didn’t always have an easy life but you would have never known it. She looked nothing short of a movie star. She was a true natural beauty that I always wished I had looked more like. My Nonno Giovanni fell in love at first sight and who could blame him! They married and together, they went on to have 6 equally beautiful boys, Vincenzo, Angelo, Liborio, Michele, Salvatore and the late Rosario. Nonna as a mother She loved her sons with a fierce and protective love. A love that she told me many times I would never understand until I had my own children. Of course, at 19 years old, I brushed off what she said BUT little did I know how right she would be. Being a mother of a boy myself, I've felt the deepest, purest and sweetest love I’ve ever known so I can only imagine what that love must have been like for her times 6! She always wanted her sons close to her. Her wish came true as many of them didn’t leave her house until they were well into their late 20’s and most times they came back. She wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. She was the absolute happiest when ALL of her sons were together. She worried about all of them all of the time. She checked up on them regularly even after marriage and kids. I remember her driving around in her maroon Buick visiting each one to make sure they were ok. She loved them all so much and she lived for them. Nonna as a woman She did things that I can’t fathom doing now as a woman in today’s world. She was strong and had a will like no other. Taking care of 6 boys, a husband, countless in laws, her parents and many others wasn’t a small feat. She had worked hard to take care of her family and when she came to America life got better. Like any other respectable woman, she loved shopping. She loved going to Kmart and Jamesway and I remember many of those shopping trips. She loved, her jewelry, her blue topaz set in particular, all things mauve and sewing up anything that needed a quick fix. Who could forget her famous bread? Anyone who has ever had a taste still talks about it to this day! She never wore makeup but loved her nails polished and her hair nicely done. She loved and respected all of her friends….from Giuseppina, to Maria to all her church friends. Giuseppina was one of her best friends and as a little girl I don’t remember a time when they weren’t together. She loved having lunch with her, going to church with her and just spending time together. They loved, respected and were always there for each other. She loved you so much Giuseppina. Nonna as a sister She loved her brothers the late Michele, Giovanni and her sister Angela. They all shared a special bond. She looked up to Zio Michele and was overprotective of Zio Giovanni. Zia Angela and Nonna were inseparable. They lived next door to each other for years. When Zia Angela moved 5 minutes away you would think she moved back to Brooklyn. Nonna wanted her close all the time. Their relationship went beyond sisterhood it was a kinship. Nonna as a mother in law She had six sons but was blessed with 4 amazing women that became her daughters. This role was a tricky one. Her sons were definitely handsome but we know they were no angels. When they behaved badly she literally slapped them back to their senses. My mother, Filomena, was the first; she was her rock, her companion and in the end her devoted and loving caregiver. Nonna wouldn’t have made it this far without you Mom. My Godmother Lilliana was the second and she adored your spunk and loved that you kept my Pippino in line. My Aunt Linda was third; she loved that you embraced, loved and fit right into our big family. Nonna loved your big heart and your beautiful

Continued.... Nonna loved your big heart and your beautiful family as well. Last but of course not least, my Aunt Donna who was always so patient and respectful with Nonna. She knew it must have been frustrating for you listening to all the Italian and she tried her best to translate whenever she could! She loved you all like the daughters she never had. Nonna as a grandmother and great-grandmother I never appreciated being her namesake until I got older and now it has become a privilege. I feel lucky to have all these endless memories in my heart of fun and good times. I was SO PROUD to be a part of this family that she created with Nonno. I knew none of my school friends had holidays like us. Who else got to stay up until midnight on Christmas Eve and open early Christmas presents?! Like I said, Nonna was her happiest when her sons were all together and I was the happiest when we were all together with my uncles too. Christmas Eves, Christmas Days, New Year’s Eves and New Years Days ....I waited all year for these holidays. We ate, drank, laughed, played cards and were so loud! These are some of my happiest memories with Nonna and the whole family. She was so scared of us getting hurt. I can still hear “state attenta....aaaa la nonna !!” She helped raise us and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. She took us to the stores, to church and anywhere she went we followed. I think it is safe to say she loved us all even more so than her sons! We all had a second set of eyes on us. Not many are blessed enough to see their great-grandchildren but she was. She spoiled us with her love and I would take that over materialistic things any day, Her sickness and death has brought much heartache to us all but with death comes peace as well. Ironically, her death has given us a sense of thankfulness that she is no longer suffering. This just might be the only comfort we have during this very sad time. The bible conveys a message that death is not the end of life…it is only the body that perishes, the spirit never dies, and it continues to live on forever. It is truly an end to an era that we will never forget. Memories that we will cherish in our hearts forever. We have peace knowing that she is with Zio Rosario, Nonno Giovanni and her beloved parents. We couldn’t have asked for a better guardian angel to watch over us. Nonna you will forever be in our hearts. May you Rest in Peace.

My deepest sympathy. May your family find comfort in knowing God cares about you and the pain you are experiencing from losing a loved one. He has promised that death will be swallowed up forever and all tears will be wiped away. Isaiah 25:8

Mommy, that was beautiful! :''''''(

Our hearts are hurting Nonna, really bad, but the only comfort we have is knowing that you are no longer suffering. I can't say it enough that I love and miss you!

Cara mamma, vederti dare l'ultimo respiro mi ha spezzato il cuore... Ti porterò' sempre nel mio cuore... Sei stata una donna fortissima... Ho una tale confusione nella mia mente in questo momento... Penso ai tantissimi bei momenti avuto con te... In 43 anni di vita insieme ce ne sono stati tantissimi... Mi hai sempre dato tanto coraggio a secondo delle situazioni.... Io e Vinny ci sentiamo persi in questo momento, ma so che continuerai a starci vicino anche da Lassù ... Certo ora sei felice di esserti riunita con il tuo carissimo Rosario e con la nonna Vincenzina che amavi tanto in vita... Spero tantissimo che il buon Gesù ti abbia accolta tra le sue braccia e che tu abbia tutta la serenità che meriti in paradiso tra i nostri carissimi che ci hanno preceduto e tra il Signore e la Nostra grande Mamma di Lourdes che tu tanto adoravi.... Cara mamma riposa in pace... Ci mancherai tantissimo, però so che non soffri più e questo mi consola... Ti vogliamo tutti un mondo di bene.... Un abbraccio e un bacetto come me lo dasti giovedì scorso.... RIP love you Filomena e Vincenzo

Nonna You were always strong. And I will remember that. I will miss the memories you gave me as a little girl. There is peace in knowing you're safe now. Free. I love you. Crista

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.