Antonia Cipolla (Culella)

in honor of my grandma -

my grandma knew what life was about; she taught us love, the meaning of family, she gave us strength, and nobody ever left her house with an empty belly. when i think of my grandma, and i think of how she would want to be remembered, she wouldn’t want us to think of her in only sadness. she would want us to remember her in our joyful moments, in our moments of warmth and comfort, and in our moments of love. i know for me personally, i will always think of my grandma whenever i’m at a family meal, knowing that she could’ve cooked that meal way better than any of us. i don’t know if you knew this about my grandma, but she had magic pots, so she cooked everything better than anyone. no offense to my mom!

my grandma lived a full 84 years. she accomplished so much, leaves behind a beautiful legacy. family was everything to her. nothing made my grandma happier than seeing her family together. especially seeing her children, grandchildren, and great granchild, around her is something that truly filled her heart. she taught us the importance of family and togetherness, and we will always honor her memory by continuing to support and be there for one another, and by carrying on the family traditions that she cherished.

my grandma was the strongest woman i’ve ever known, she overcame many obstacles with courage and grace. just being around her filled you with enough strength to get you through any tough situation. that is one of the most important things my grandma instilled in me, so on the days where nothing seems to be going right, and also on the days when i miss her so much it hurts, i know i will be able to channel her strength and be able to stand tall to face the world.

today and every day, my heart will ache with sadness because she’s no longer here, and i will miss her fiercely. but i know she’ll be always be with me: whenever i crochet using her needles, or whenever i smell fresh tomatoes, or whenever i sing to my children in sicilian, ill be reminded of all the little ways she showed us she loved us. her love and spirit will always be with me in everything i do.

Dear Rosie, Mary and Mike: I am sad to hear of the passing of your beautiful mother and my cousin. I am also so happy knowing that she was the most loving and giving person with a family that adored her. She was also adored by her extended cousins in Canada. Your mother was a strong woman who raised three wonderful children on her own after your father passed away much too soon in life. I have so many wonderful memories of our visits together whether it was in Long Island or Toronto. Your mother had the best sense of humor and she always made me laugh when she would mix unique words and phrases with English, Italian and Sicilian all at the same time! She was a genuinely kind and generous person who always had her home open to friends and family. She was and is still loved.

My condolences to you and your families.

Your Cousin Josie Fasullo and Adamo

To Mike and all of the Cipolla Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We know how loving, generous, and supportive your mom was. She loved her children and grandchildren and that was evident to all. May all your memories of her give you comfort.
John and Nancy Caine

We were deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Aunt Antionette. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please know that we will cherish family memories always and wish you tremendous peace as you mourn the loss of the cornerstone of your family. With deepest sympathy-Maryann, Mary Catherine, and Nicole Culella