Obituary of Maria Theresa Giannatonio

GIANNANTONIO Maria Theresa 87 departed this Life January 20, 2020. In Repose Friday, January 24, 2020 from 9:00 A.M.- 10:30 A.M. Funeral Mass Friday, January 24, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. St. Matthew Catholic Church 542 Blue Heron Drive, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. Entombment at Our Queen of Heaven Cemetery, North Lauderdale, Florida. Arrangements by Joseph A. Scarano Presidential Circle Memorial Chapel-4351 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Hills, Florida 33021. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. My mother was born on July 9, 1932 in Campobasso, Italy. I remember her telling me stories of her as a little girl, how much she loved her family, hanging with friends, cooking, sewing, dressing up and animals. She didn’t have much, but there was always a roof over her head, clothes on her back, and plenty of food. She would tell me about how important family meals were, that included aunts, uncles and cousins, because there was so much laughter, happiness, and love. My mother loved to laugh. Sometimes she started and she could not stop. She would tell me how beautiful all of the Holy day’s were, and all the days long celebrations in the street. When she married my father, they came to the U.S.A as my dad sought a better life for his family. She told me how much she cried and how heartbroken she was when she left her parents and the rest of her family. Life was very difficult for her as my father went to work and she was all alone in a different country, not knowing the language, nor customs. There was not much happiness at that time. When she had her children she devoted her entire life and world to us. She made sure we were safe, fed the best meals, and taken care of. She sewed a lot of our clothes so even as children we were in vogue. When we started school she would walk us to the school and pick us up. She would come to the school during lunch time to watch us play in the play ground. We could feel how much we were loved. My mom made sure we knew the neighborhood kids to play with them as she wanted us have the same happy childhood she had. We never realized back then all the sacrifices she made for us. Family dinners didn’t have the same quality of people she had in Italy but we still laughed and made all the major decisions usually over a big bowl of pasta. When we moved into our home my mother was so excited because she had a garden to plant her tomatoes, egg plant, cucumbers, basil, parsley and so much more. She loved to plant her flowers and take care of her yard. Even as we grew up, she would never go to sleep until she knew we were safe at home. She spoiled her family very much. She was an amazing cook. Looking back I realized we had a 10 star chef. Her homemade sauce was so delicious that our friends would fight over who would get a jar of her sauce. As an adult I haven’t been able to find a 5 star Italian restaurant that can come close to offering a sauce like hers. Even as grown up adults my mom wanting to hear from us to know that we were safe. My sister and I were always going to be her little girls. Her health started to deteriote and one of the 1st loss she experienced was not being able to gardening, plant her vegetables, or take care of her yard. She didn’t let this stop her though as she found ways to make her sauce and be creative. The last years of her life were very difficult as her health worsened and her disabilities increased. She was suffering greatly. Nevertheless, my mother was always very religious and went to church every week and holy day and said her rosary two times daily. She was sad when she could no longer go to church and receive Holy Communion. She cried every time she was able to receive communion at the hospital. She told me once that her pain and suffering made her feel like Jesus on the cross and that she wished God would take her so that her family would no longer be burden with taking care of her. Thinking back, no matter how much pain or suffering she experienced she always had a smile on her face and the ability to laugh. My mother was such a special and wonderful person, with the biggest heart of anyone I know. The unconditional love she gave her family was visible to all. My mother was the strongest woman I know. The love she gave us, the kindness she showed to everyone, the ability to forgive, her empathy are just the beginning of why she will be missed and why she was loved by everyone who’s life she touched. I know my mother’s suffering is over but the hole in our hearts, the emptiness, the broken hearts is truly and unbearable pain for us. We will miss our mom, wife, best friend so much. We love you ma forever and ever. Additions from my sister: My mother did not have a selfish bone in her body. She did without so her children could have everything. She put her self last and her family first. All she wanted was her family be together. Survivors include: Her beloved husband Nicola Giannantonio, her loving daughters Rita and Antonella. Loving grandson Philip Michael Barr and loving aunt of Raffaela, Enzo, Lisa and Sandy.