Wednesday – 5/22/2013

My grandmother, affectionately known to us all as, Nani, peacefully passed away this past Saturday afternoon. She was laid to rest Wednesday morning. Fortunately, her husband and all of her children had the opportunity to say goodbye and comfort her as she slipped away from us and into the loving and the waiting arms of God.

I also had the opportunity, via cell phone and Skype, to say goodbye and let her know how much I loved her and that it was okay for her to leave us. Unfortunately, she had suffered from dementia these past several years, so there’s no way of knowing how cognizant she was of her surroundings in her final days. However, we all take great comfort in knowing she did not suffer and looked healthy up until her final breaths.

She and my grandfather, Popop, had been married almost 72 years, longer than most people might live. They certainly embodied the meaning of marriage, and it was always entertaining and very sweet to watch how she and Popop would often pick on each other. I will never forget the way that my grandfather would reach out and grab her sometimes as she walked by and pull her into his easy chair. He would then squeeze her, kiss her and often embarrass her and she tried her best to pretend she didn’t love it! My sister and I would always laugh and find their banter so amusing and full of genuine, true love.

I will also always remember how much she loved singing, particularly church hymns. In fact, it wasn’t uncommon at all for her to just start singing, whether in large gatherings or more intimate settings. She had a stellar reputation among the South Philly residents and was often requested by others, even strangers, to sing at their events.

One of the benefits to attending Lehigh University was that I had the opportunity to spend most of my Thanksgiving and Easters in Philadelphia with my grandparents. Nani had started to show signs of slowing down a few years ago, and I made it a point to never tell her about my accident and its resulting outcome. I’m pretty sure she closed her eyes for the last time remembering me as the strong, able-bodied and mischievous grandson she always knew me as.

Please continue to keep my family, especially Popop, in your thoughts and prayers. An extra Hail Mary for Nani would be greatly appreciated by all those who love and miss her.

I love you, Nani! You will be missed, never forgotten, always mentioned and loved eternally!

Below is the Obituary that was published in Philadelphia Inquirer & Philadelphia Daily News on May 20, 2013:

MATHILDE (Scola) SONCINI
MATHILDE (nee Scola), on May 18, 2013, age 96. Devoted wife of Louis for over 71 years. Beloved mother of Marilou (Peter) Buffum, Roberta (Felix) Fedor and William (Helene), loving grandmother of David, Rebecca, Scott, Lindsey, Bill, and Alexis, great grandmother of Cora, Layla, Wylie and Dominic. Predeceased by her siblings Theresa, Helen, Sue, Mollie, Ralph, Guido, Gilda and Dominic. A talented vocalist who would burst into song with little encouragement, she often sang at weddings and funerals at both St. Rita’s Church and Stella Maris Church. A devoted Catholic, her faith was the cornerstone of her life but caring for her family and her children was her prime vocation. She will always be loved and dearly missed. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Viewing Wednesday 9 to 10 A.M. at Stella Maris Church, 2901 S. 10th St. Funeral Mass will follow viewing at 10 A.M. Int. Holy Cross Cem. In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made in her memory to St. Monica Manor Nursing Home, 2905 S. 4th St., Phila. PA 19148.