Obituary of Maria Vita Musilli

My friends from Connecticut and I once travelled with our young children down from Hartford to New York during the Christmas season. Our intention was to take the kids to Fifth Avenue to see the decorated store windows and the tree at Rockefeller Center. On our way to the city, we made a quick stop at my parents' home to say hello. My mother had decorated the house for Christmas in her customary non-understated way. As the children stepped in the door, friendly animatronic Santas and Frosty the Snowman greeted them. A giant nine foot Christmas tree laden with all kinds of decorations stood in the hallway filling the air with its fragrance. Of course, there was a presepio, a crèche with dozens and dozens of figurines showing village townspeople and shepherds on their way to welcome Jesus. My friend turned to me and said, " there is no need to go to New York City to see Christmas decorations. The kids have more than they could ever wish to see here." My mother was a veritable Christmas nut. The colorful lights, the Christmas carols, the smells of gingerbread and hot cocoa—all of it made her happy. But what made her most happy about this time of year was the fact that our whole family would be gathering for the holiday. For my mother, family was paramount. A devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and wife, my mother did all she could to insure that the ties that united us remained fresh, strong and a source of joy for all of us. With her hard work and organization, we celebrated birthdays, graduations and holidays together. No church or school was too far to travel to when it involved celebrating a milestone for a member of the family. There was always plenty of food—pizzelle, tiramisu and insalata russa - to share as we laughed together. Her strategy worked. Our family bonds remain strong and the generations truly know each other and spend time together. This Christmas season, our family gathering will be different. My mother has left this world for the next one. The lights and decorations are less bright — our loss is too great and too recent. We will however, be ever joyful and thankful for the gifts of having shared our lives with my mother and for having each other to get through this difficult time. Grazie, Mamma. Buon Natale. Funeral services for Maria Vita (Mariuccia) Musilli will be held privately due to safety concerns. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so, may make a donation in her name to Feeding Westchester at feedingwestchester.org.