It is finished
The rites associated with mourning the loss of a loved one ended today with Nonna's burial at Oceanview Cemetary on Staten Island, in a plot 150 yards or so away from her father Joseph Ingarra and her husband Richard. The memorial service last night was special. Never have I attended one that ended with a standing ovation -- a bona fide, spontaneous, every-seat-empty rousing applause. A fitting tribute to a wonderful woman who beat us all into heaven. Each of Nonna's four children offered uniquely moving tributes. Mary read a poem and spoke of the tenderness in Nonna's hands, even as she used them to hold her loved ones in the last weeks of life and now embraces a loving God. Josephine read a testimony Nonna had written years earlier that Diana found among Nonna's keepsakes in her bedroom. Richie talked of her stature in heaven as a hero of faith and a woman of great love. And Teresa shared memories from Nonna's purse and recorded messages she made during one of her last hospital visits. Nonna's son-in-law Roger reminded us that her faith was ultimately responsible for thousands coming to know Christ, beginning with her entire family. She continued to share that faith until the very end, never missing a church outreach, regularly passing out tracts with Boom2, and co-founding New Hope Fellowship with Teresa and Roger.
posted by Jeremy Del Rio @ 8/19/2005 10:12:00 PM
2 Comments:
When my grandfather passed away we had a small family funeral. When it was done my dad commented that you know you've been to a "good" funeral service when you laugh and cry at the same time many times during the funeral. It sounds like Nonna was a great person who had a great homegoing!
I am so sorry to hear the news. We will lift all of you up in prayer! It was so good to connect with again!
Tom
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