My Aunt, My Godmother ~ Rest In Peace

Within the memories of an Aunt Ann ever dear

Sweet visions of graces shared many a year

With prayerful intentions to the heaven's above

Her joys in the abundance of God's divine love

Sweet be the fragrance of her favorite bloom of white

Delicately embraces she a gardenia of perpetual light

Red be her color and in joy she would wear

To match her blush of shared love and care

Family and friends her happiness true

A blessing ever she would grant on to you

In love and devotion a life beyond time cast

Known be love's spirit, her soul ever last.

Devotedly yours,

Rose Marie


A Son's Eulogy

First I would like to thank Father Francis for allowing me the opportunity to honor my mother and say a few words. As Father mentioned he administered communion to both my parents at their home every first Friday of the month. They always expressed how not only how thankful they were but also how they both looked forward to your visits and reconnecting to Christ through the Eucharist.  Thank you for leading and comforting us by saying mass.

I hope all say a prayer of thanks today as  I chose to say a eulogy instead of solo singing Ave Maria. 

On behalf of my father and the rest of the my family, I would like to thank all for taking time out of your busy schedules to honor my mother and supporting us during our time of grief.  It was 16 years ago most of us were gathered in this church celebrating the vows of my parents 50th wedding anniversary.

Today we celebrate the life of my mother.

I'm sure all would agree nothing I say today will give my mom the proper amount of credit she deserves.

My Mom was an angel .  Truly an angel and although her name was Ann , as my family agrees, it was short for angel.

She was the most caring,  down to earth, honest person I have ever encountered.  Most would describe her as an excessive worrier but I beg to differ.  She was an excessive CARING person. It was her personality to care about everyone and everything all the time. I firmly believe God couldn't have chosen a better person to care for my Dad for 66 years and especially over the last 15.

Frustrated , emotional and sensitive at times  trying to balance her own aging and her physical constraints , she took care of my father day and night with willingness and a smile.

I witnessed their challenges first hand staying over their house on many business trips and couldn't believe the lack of sleep and the amount of care she graciously gave as she approached her nineties.  

My Dad knew what he was doing when he asked her to marry him 66 years ago realizing she would stand by her vows in sickness an health till death due us part.

Not only did she care for her husband but she raised her three children, volunteered her free time helping disabled and mentally challenged children at the Creedmoor institution in New York during the late 1960's . 

She also volunteered her time to this very church in the thrift shop and rosary society. 

She was a humble and a non materialistic-woman who  never asked for anything in return and when she did receive a small token of appreciation she would always have a hard time accepting it and often say  "oh you shouldn't have...you didn't need to do that".  But yes Mom we did.

During the 1970's when my Dad opened his family business here in town, she was right there beside him for the better part 15 years, working late days and then coming home and cooking every night

And what a superb cook she was ... She even had her recipe named after her in a restaurant ... Aunt Annie's braciole courtesy of her god daughter celeste. From lasagna to eggplant to salads to oatmeal cookies , everything she cooked was wonderful because of her magic secret ingredient LOVE yes she put love into everything she did.  

What a mother she was.  Caring, loving and patient.  Her own mother passed away when she was only 7 therefore her motherly instincts were tested early as she helped raise her younger sister Rose and brother Jerry under the guidance of her older sister Molly.

While on the subject of caring,  I know my Mom would love for me to publicly thank two special people . My sister Phyllis and brother in law Tom who went beyond the call of duty, which is an understatement, as they both put their personal lives on hold and catered to my parents every need over the last few years.

Whether  it was arranging and transporting them to medical visits, analyzing their finances, home maintenance etc...The list goes on ...For this they not only need to be commended but honored for their care taking roles for both my parents. Please join me (applause). 

Most would say God broke the mold after my mom was born but he didn't .  My sister Phyllis emulates my mom with her humble ways and caring heart and for that I am personally grateful and therefore consider her an angel as well.

My Mom was sensitive and displayed uncanny common sense..always saying and doing the right things...installing  confidence in her children and a sense of knowing the difference between right and wrong.

She is the first in our immediate family to be heaven bound and in a way it is comforting to know the table will be set and the food will be prepared when we all meet again .

In closing  I would like to recite a poem called the broken chain....

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone 

for part of us went with you the day god called you home

You left us peaceful memories your love is still our guide

And though we cannot see you,  you are always at our side

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same

But as God calls us one by one the chain will link again

Today I not only lose a mother ... I lose a friend but on the other hand heaven receives  a special angel.

From your loving and thankful husband and all gathered here 

rest in peace mom. We all love you....  More. 

Tom Fusco