"Mama Rosie" was in my life for a little over 40 years (longer than my own mom.) As time as gone by I've began to realize we were very much alike...both strong in our will. They do say you marry your "mother." Well I can only hope that I have lived up to that for my husband and family. She will be a hard act to follow!

She and I grew to respect and admire one another. She would recently tell me "Don't wear yourself out watcing "the boys" (my grandsons)! I would think to myself and laugh...this coming from a woman who worked full time but every Thursday on one of her days "off" she would watch 5 of her grandchildren! She would take them to the beach, the movies and whip up orange julius' when they were sick. As if that wasn't enough on Sunday her other day "off" she would have the whole family over for a pasta dinner. You'd call only if you weren't coming! Otherwise we would be there! She would prepare the whole dinner of pasta, salad, bread and dessert. While we would eat she'd have her salad and coffee. After dinner while everyone congregated in the living room she would do the dishes. I would go into the kitchen to help and she would say "go sit down!" Over time she would let me help and I would catch her "sneaking" a Reeses peanut butter cup or two from her "secret" stash! How she loved her peanut butter and chocolate!

When Gerry found out he was diabetic years back we both went on a strict diet. When we went to visit her and Papa in Florida he had lost over 100 lbs. When she first saw him she said to me, "What are you starving him?" Of course Papa said "You look good!" He always had a thing about extra weight. While staying with them both for a week she opened her kitchen to me and "let" me cook meals for us. She didn't know what to give him! "What no meatballs!" This was a special time for me...she realized I wanted to take care of her son. I considered it an honor...also for an Italian woman to turn over her kitchen is a big deal!

I hope I can be part of continuing her legacy by nuturing my family and putting them first. I will do my best to bring the family together and grow their love for one another. "Mama Rosie" you will always be treasured and missed an NEVER forgotten!

Love, Dawn