This was the eulogy I read at Grandma's funeral today.  Maria wrote much of it then I added my twist.  I thought I would share it with anyone who could not attend today.  

Listening  to stories from the family last night, I know there are many sides of Grandma Rose that I never knew: Rose as a mother, Rose as an aunt, Rose as a wife, Rose as a friend. I am not here to speak to those sides of this wonderful woman. But as her granddaughter, and representing the rest of the grandchildren, here is what we loved most about her. 

Grandma made great pasta and "soupie." She had a cookie jar, which always had cookies in it. She taught us how to play Fan-Tan, which was our first introduction to gambling.  You had to dink if you couldn't make a play, “dink” being the sound the pennies made when they landed in the Sucrets tin in the center of the table.  She loved family picnics, family camping trips, holiday traditions, playing games and watching black and white movies. She made us laugh and she loved to listen.


Grandma was a legend in her own right. She was our matriarch, a lady that commanded respect from her family, her extended family and all her friends that she treated like family. She was wry, sassy, and loving. She was an epic storyteller, even if halfway through she forgot what story she was telling. Her comedic timing was impeccable, even if she didn't mean it to be, which is what made it even more funny. Grandpa and Grandma made a great one-two comedic duo. 

Even though she was 92 and even though we all knew the time was "coming," it doesn't make the loss any easier. Many of the stories shared last night were not from times long ago, but of things that happened in the past few weeks. Up until the very end Grandma still had her sense of humor.  She was still trying to run the show-- asking people if they were comfortable or if they were hungry-- even though she was the one on oxygen in a hospital bed. She never complained about her situation, in fact I can't recall a  time when she ever complained.  Instead she was always concerned about how we were doing. She was incredibly selfless and giving. When I told her I was coming back in town for Christmas she said, “Oooh!  Well, I'll try to keep breathing then.”  (And I think she did).  It was always for others that she lived. 

Grandma rarely said a bad word about anybody, and if she did, it was probably deserved. If she cursed it was only in other languages. She was a good listener. She was stubborn and headstrong. She was tidy, and on more than one occasion expressed her disapproval of Maria's bed-making skills. (I'm glad she never saw mine).  Her home was a place of joy and good energy, where loud Italian get-togethers  took place for many decades, and hundreds of hours were spent sitting around the dining room table laughing and eating good Italian food. She always ate her salad last. She was a tennis player, a card player, a hellava cook, and a woman devoted to her faith. She worried about all of us at one time or another and would let you know by telling you that you were on her "prayer list." As we grew into adults most of the time this meant she was praying for us to get married and have kids. After Becky's wedding a few weeks ago she looked at me, Gabby and Peter and said "all right, who's next?  I have a few more wedding left in me!" And even though Gabby and I are in relationships,  for some reason she zeroed in on poor Peter asking what his time line was for settling down.  

Grandma will always be remembered wearing an apron and standing over a pot of something. Whether it was chile for Christmas Eve, or a vat of tomato sauce, or filling for pizza rus and rice pies, Grandma really loved to feed people. Her love for cooking, for family, for tradition, were parts of her Italian heritage that were passed down from generations before, from people I didn't know, but who somehow helped shaped the beautiful person who was my Grandmother. 

And I suppose that's the thought I want to leave with everyone today. We all knew Grandma and loved her fiercely. She a strong woman who was the heart and hearth of this family.  While we can't keep her here, we can keep alive the wonderful things about her and pass them down to our families and our families' families and so on down the line so that 92 years from now it might be another granddaughter paying tribute to another grandmother and thanking generations past for a beautiful person. And in that spirit I hope to do the best that I can to pass down the good things that she taught me: to be kind and welcoming, to laugh, to cook,  to love everyone around you.  But most importantly, she taught me to celebrate life and that you are never too old to party.   She can rest well knowing that for generations to come gin buckets will be circling campfires among family and friends who will share stories, both old and new, as time marches on.

Aunt Rose will truly be missed. She was a wonderful lady and she is a major part of the strong foundation and appreciation that many of us have for family. I will always remember all the holidays we spent at Uncle Joe's with our extended family. She would always be in that kitchen with my grandma, Aunt Annie and the other Aunt Rose taking care of whatever everyone needed.   I love the memories of my childhood and Aunt Rose was is a huge part of those memories. Although we all will miss Aunt Rose, what a wonderful and fulfilled life she lived. ??

Christy Palumbo Foster, what a wonderful lady your mom must have been! Such a long life and many progeny to cherish and hold her memory. While we may be sad now, we can find comfort in knowing that Mother Rose Palumbo has been welcomed home to a place prepared just for her. We know you will miss her and we send you and your family our deepest sympathy. May the Lord be with you now, forever, and always and never forget that Jesus is always there just when you need him most.

Bishop Timothy N. and Maree N. Williams, Way of The Cross Church, Austin, TX

Rose was a wonderful woman of faith.  When I was her neighbor, I often
would see her saying her Rosary.  Loved her cheerfulness.  
My condolences to Rose's family.  
Virginia (Signorino) McKee

There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories.

What a fulfilling family loving life she had....God was glorified in her life and He is loving having her in eternity with HIM!  You are in our prayers as you celebrate her home going.
Glen and Julie Hertenberger

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Christy.

Even in her last days my Grandma was still making friends, thinking of others, throwing out one-liners, playing poker, and suggesting the pumpkin pie needed one more shot of whiskey. She taught me many things, but above all: be humble, be welcoming. Keep your door, your heart, and your mind open. Family comes first, and friends are family.  If you can't laugh, you're not living.  Grandma, you and Gramps were the hearth and the heart of this family. I feel unglued knowing you are no longer at the center.  But your light will never go out.  Love you!

Salute to the true traditional Italian 'Mom', Rose! One who shared her big heart, her love, her great laugh, her wisdom and of course her delicious foods with family and many wonderful friends. Our family was blessed to have been a part of Rose & Jim's family from the start. I know Dee and Rose are having a great time with Jim & Pete! Her joy will live on with all she touched. What a great heart, great Mom and great family friend Rose was and will always be! From all the Cross kids to all the Palumbo's. Thanks for sharing so much with us, especially Rose. As our Mom, Dee said often 'the best friend a girl could have!'

Always praying for you Rose. Will always love you and Mom. Rest in peace and joy.

Love, Denise

Rose- Although you're leaving us,  you'll be joining Jim, Mom, Dad and all the other loved ones who have passed before you in the great everlasting. You will be missed and may God bless and watch over you. 

The Lordi family

Beautiful tribute to a Wonderful Lady...and I only know Mrs Palumbo through her Photos - Thank you, God Bless you and your family and give you Peace. Mrs.Donzalee Akiboh (CSC Family-Houston,Texas).

Your mother was always so pleasant to be with and so appreciative of her family and friends. It was also good to see and visit with her recently at Michael Bello's wedding.

Jean Studley

So enjoyed the beautiful photos of a wonderful love filled family!  They brought me back to my youth.  Thank you for sharing those memories.  In my book,   Rose will always be remembered for her smile and spaghetti sauce that she shared with us!  I am so sorry for your loss!

Rose, I'm so glad I got to wish you a happy birthday. Remember you will always be one day older than me. Love to you always.

Loved the photos!  Wish I heard the story behind each one.  Suzanne, your momma reminded me so much of my own.  Full of love and laughter, accepting, encouraging, and always…always FEEDING!  Mark told me he remembered making ravioli with you and your mom.  How great is that!  Obviously, the apple didn't fall far from the tree!  You are a beautiful example of what happens with wonderful parents.  Love you forever.

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

I had dinner with her last week and she just wanted a little bite of everything to taste it. When I left I kissed her on her forehead and told her I loved her and would be back in a few days. She said "love you too" and did a kiss kiss with her lips as I left. I now wish I had that kiss kiss on my lips cause I didn't think I would not have that again.

I love you Aunt Rose. Call me selfish but I would rather you be here but everyone upstairs are so happy you are with them now. Peace be with you and keep praying for me because it is WORKING!

OBITUARY

Rose C. Palumbo

December 6, 1921 – December 13, 2013

Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary

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