My mother was 96 when she passed away on Good Friday April 19^th,. While we know she is at peace, there is still sorrow. But even though she is gone, she has left the legacy of her love of family and her faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. The ways she touched so many lives will always remain dear to our hearts.

One of the most important things in Mom’s life was being a parent to me and my sister Jeannie. She took great pride in raising us children. Mom was so special. She always said, “I have the best children a mother could ask for.” It takes patience and love to bring kids up properly. It’s safe to say that Mom had the patience of a saint!

Mom had a kind heart. But still, how well did we know our mom? It was not until later in life when I was writing a book about the Great Depression and WWII that I got better aquatinted with her past. While interviewing various veterans, I asked mom what she did during the war. She said that she worked on inspecting radar sets for Westinghouse corporation. She worked eight-ten hours every day for three and a half years, seven days a week, with no time off. I asked mom, “Why didn’t you tell us about this before?” She simply replied, “You never asked!”

Mom came from a very religious Catholic family. Her mother almost became a nun but her father wanted her to get married and have children because her sister was already a nun. Her father and mother came from Italy and were very devoted Catholics. I recall visiting my grandfather when he was in a nursing home. I just returned from getting promoted in the Air Force so I pinned my captain bars on his pajamas. He said, “Thank you very much, Johnny-boy for visiting but I feel fine! It’s other folks here are sick.” Then grandpa got up and visited each patient one-by-one saying prayers and tending to their needs. That’s the kind of family my mother had, so gracious and kind. I decided years ago that, that’s the legacy that I want to follow. 

The following is a prayer poem I wrote for mom seven years ago titled,

“Mother, I Can Hear Your Voice”.

I recall fond memories about our family growing up

You were calling us to have dinner and all was well

Mother, I can still hear your voice as clear as a bell.

Mother’s treats were special and we knew it by the lovely smell

You made us feel important as we gathered around the table

You always had kind words to say and a comforting story to tell

You helped me become the person I am today

Mother, I love you and miss you so

In my heart and my soul, you will always dwell.

Mom is survived by two children, 3 grandchildren, 4 great grand-children, and other relatives and friends. Her faith and her family were paramount! Throughout so many years she managed to keep her priorities straight. What’s more important than love for God and family?  Somehow Mom’s strong faith throughout her life set a legacy for others to follow.

I will close with 1 Corinthians 13: 4- which best describes moms’ character.

⁴Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails!

Mom is now on “Eagle Wings” and is in her glory!

Thank you, Jesus, for giving us a precious gift,

the most wonderful mom we could ask for. Amen!