Eda Cascieri

Eda was one of a kind. She used to have the word "breathe" taped up all over the house, to teach herself to breathe from her diaphragm. She was a woman of incredible joy, for life, for people, for her beloved Angel. I am proud to have shared some part of my life with her.

It is difficult for me to find words to express the influence of Eda and her Angel (Arcangelo) in my life. Joy certainly. Something that lifts you, causes wonder and you don't know why. Pizzelle. Pieces of art she gave to me and Connie: "The Critics", "Madonna". Thinking of Eda and Angelo brings a feeling that makes you want to take that feeling to others. I certainly fall short of what they did, but thinking of them reminds me of the possibility to strive for in work and life.

Dear Family,

We've shared Eda's and Arcangelo's lives since we were married 44 years ago. Arcangelo was Giacomo's guardian angel and support system while at the BAC. Eda and Arcangelo became members of our family almost instantly. They were close to my parents as well as my sisters, daughters, and in fact all our friends. Arcangelo would have eating races with my father as to who would eat more. They were godparents to Natasha and took that role very seriously. They were always present at Tanya's and Natasha's special events, i.e. births, communions, birthdays, marriages, etc. We spent wonderful and memorable times with them. Eda was especially close to my mother, Angele. They were the same age and both enjoyed singing opera and painting.

Oh, how we miss them all -- but what fond memories they've left behind. Every member of my family is proud to have known them so intimately.

Please keep in touch.

Jeannette Michienzi

Dear Family,

We were sad to hear of Eda's passing away.
Our family has fond memories of her.Also Our children, especially David, loved her very much .Frequently, there was an invitation to come over to get a tray of cookies at her place. Always nicely presented with a ribbon around it.
She also called me many times to ask if I was listening to the radio on channel such and so, because there was a beautiful opera or classical singer on and I should listen.
John and I with Eda also had many walks in the neighborhood together and she criss crossed the street to make it a longer walk.
Always in a good mood, always a laugh, we will miss her.

Five fielders Tina and John Dirks
July 7, 2008.

Eda (and Angelo) enriched our lives in so many ways during the 19 years we lived at 1 Barberry Road--just two houses away. Her art (we have a fabulous print of 5 cows and a charcoal drawing of her cat--both of which we treasure), her wit and wisdom, the many talks we enjoyed, her twinkle and her ability to make others feel good and happy when with her--and, of course, the pizellas and pizzas she spontaneously brought over.

I will quote the last paragraph of an essay that our son, Andrew, when he was in high school, wrote about Angelo after interviewing him as this ending paragraph really focuses on Eda.

"One often recurring theme in Arcangelo's art is that of his life with Eda as a fantastic dance between two flowers. Eda describes this dance in this way. 'When Angelo knew he was going to marry me, he carved a hope chest which tells a story in abstract symbols. The two spirits dancing are us, and there are tragedies in life one can't avoid, and finally, the meeting of the poppy, which is him, and the daisy which is me." Andrew commented, "This seems appropriate: two flowers, dancing through the good and bad of the world, seeing beauty, and adding to it some of their own.

What a treasure she was.. our condolences to her family.