Virginia, Gina, Vovo, one of the sweetest souls, an amazing cook, wonderful host, talented seamstress, and a giver. She was a loyal wife, the kind of friend who always checked in on you, a sweet sweet grandmother, and a mother who loved her children with all she had. Vovo was perhaps the world's best cook, every table set with beautiful tablecloths, pots that were always better than what you could find, and dishes that no matter how you tried to emulate them, they never did taste as good. She could spot the freshest food, and make food from scratch no matter if she knew you were coming or if you surprised her. You never left her table with an ounce of hunger left, but more than that you left with your heart full. Her hosting and cooking really treated your soul more than just your hunger.  You felt loved, served, like you belonged, when you stopped by her home. As I get older, I increasingly appreciate that and realize just what a servant's heart she had.

To love her guests and take some burdens from them for just a little while, while she fed your belly and your heart.  She was a polished woman who always looked her very best. She never went out of the house without her hair done, which was a huge time commitment with all that hair, her makeup fixed and her best slacks on. We can hardly recall her without her beautiful nails polished. No matter the foot pain, she was committed to one must of life- cute footwear only. She taught us so much about picking good materials, finding the best clothing, and good taste in perfume.

Her skills not only provided for her family, but she tailored countless suits and pants for loved ones. She personalized the softest blankets that her grandchildren could not wait to receive, and even crocheted baby clothes, stuffed animal clothes, and most extraordinarily her daughter's wedding dress. I would be remiss to not mention she could be out-ironed by no one.  She had so much to teach, skills I have never mastered to her degree. How to masterfully make a bed without one crease, how to get any stain out of laundry, the best way to clean a floor, or the best place to buy espresso. I will forever be striving to keep a house as well as she did. She was a truly sweet woman, known for her kindness. This was clear wherever she went, even through her last days. She loved animals and babies, and they always brought a smile to her face. She never once said an unkind word to me, showing me only kindness in all circumstances- the definition of unconditional love. She certainly loved her three children with such love. Her eldest son, with admiration and respect for all he had done. Her daughter, as a best friend whom she always wanted to be around. Her youngest son, as her baby boy whom she would stand beside always. No matter what, she was loyal to her husband, would cook for him daily, and never went anywhere without him by her side.

Her daughter, Anna, remembers her as high energy and the cleanest woman she has ever known. She had a natural way about her to teach, love, forgive, care and be generous always. She taught Anna at a very young age to be a good housekeeper, cook and love God. Anna credits all she has become to her mother's natural ability to teach. She also recalls, Her children knew to follow the rules and if not, there would be consequences; like the slipper or wooden spoon coming your way. Her heart breaks again, having lost her best friend long ago to dementia, and now losing her a second time. Anna leaves us with these thoughts, "She was the best mom and friend a girl can have. She will continue to be in my heart and be my guardian angel. My mom will be forever remembered as the kindest, sweetest and most giving woman to many. Mom was a true Catholic who prayed often to her beloved Saints. Our Lady of Fatima and St Jude, please be with her today and forever". Virginia was extremely generous, she would give without a second thought. She tried to pay every food bill and never saw her grandchildren or great-grandchildren without trying to send them off with money. She loved to play scratch-offs, and I am convinced if she ever won big she would have given it all away.

Vovo was a praying woman. She was the first person I can remember praying for me. I am convinced her prayers altered my life and faith. She loved the Lord, prayed every day, loved to visit the church, and mentioned God often. I know she got to stand before Him and hear those words "Well done, good and faithful servant" and there is no greater joy than that. She often mentioned things her "mommy" taught her, carrying her mom's love and lessons with her through her whole life. I'm overjoyed she got to see her mom again, and that she doesn't have to miss her another day. Although we will feel her absence deeply, we find solace in the knowledge that she has found peace. I am so happy knowing she is free from pain and surrounded by peace and His Glory. Nevertheless, a part of my heart will always ache until the day I see her again. Her absence will be felt every day by those of us whose lives she touched. We will miss her faithfully checking in on us on the phone, taking her out to lunch or shopping, and sitting around her table. The world is emptier without her bright light, without her sweet reminder that some souls are just pure and good. But, I know she is made brand-new and we rejoice today that she has run the race fixing her eyes on Jesus. Her legacy to always make room at your table will live on.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services, 254 E. Main St., Westminster.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, 43 Monroe St., Westminster.  Interment in Meadow Branch Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to BridgingLife and mailed to BridgingLife Development Office, 200 Memorial Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157.