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FUNERAL HOME

Skaja Terrace Funeral Home - Niles

7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Niles, Illinois

Della Focosi Obituary

Della Focosi, nee Elia. Beloved wife of the late Alex and the late John Kussmann; loving mother of James W., Diane (Lawrence) Kriete, Patricia, Gina and the late Daniel; cherished grandmother of nine; and great-grandmother of six; beloved aunt and friend of many. Visitation Sunday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Funeral Monday 10:15 a.m. to St. John Brebeuf Church for 11 a.m. Mass. Interment Maryhill Cemetery. Funeral info 847-966-7302 or

www.skajafuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 23, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Della Focosi

107 Entries

Josie&Alan Beth&Amy

September 17, 2023

Remembering this wonderful lady .

Gina Focosi

September 20, 2008

This will be my final entry in this online guestbook, Mom.

Today I did your Temple work and I was sealed to you and Daddy and finally became part of a FOREVER FAMILY!!! From the time Nona Acosta went into the water to be the proxy for your baptism until the time I got home tonight, I have just been OVERWHELMED with the love Our Heavenly Father has for us, His children and, in particular today, for our, little family!

The tears flowed freely as I watched Nona be baptized and confirmed in your behalf, knowing full-well that you ALWAYS have the option to accept or reject the ordinances performed today for you. But, the Spirit was SO STRONG and the tears flowed SO FREELY, Mom. I TRULY felt your presence with me in the Temple today.

After that ordinance was done, I did your preliminary ordinances and then went to the 2 PM Endowment session. Diana Skousen and Dave Sweetwood had flown in from Utah just to be with us in the Temple today, Mom. And I say "us" because I could feel you there with me throughout the entire day.

Trudie & Janine Marchetti were there as were Judy Adams, Leslie Dubiel, Cindy Piper, Cyndy Dzuryak, Dave Zeman and Dave Sweetwood. It was a wonderful session.

When it was over, we went to the largest sealing room in the Temple and it was FILLED to capacity! Standing room ONLY. The outpouring of love by those who truly loved you, and who also love me, was just overwhelming and I was moved to tears through most of the sealing session.

First you were sealed to your Mother and Father. I served as proxy for you and Tom Embree served as proxy for your Father while Judy Adams served as proxy for your dear Mother, who you loved so much and who you talked about until the day you died. It felt so good, so COMPLETE sealing their "little girl Della" to them for time and all eternity. Of course, I served as proxy for you.

Then we sealed you to your beloved first husband, John Kussmann. Mike Schulz served as proxy for him and again, I served as proxy for you.

Then it was time to seal your sweet baby boy, Danny, to you and John for time and all eternity. Dave Sweetwood served as proxy for John. I was you, and Mike Schulz was proxy for my sweet brother, Danny. Again, I felt that sure feeling of joy, knowing that Danny would be yours forever, Mom. I know how much you love him and how much you always missed him. Now you are together forever!

Then it was time to seal you to Daddy. Again, I served as proxy for you and our dear friend Dave Sweetwood served as proxy for Daddy.

Lastly was the ordinance that bound me to you and Daddy for time and all eternity. Dave Sweetwood served as Daddy and our dear Kay Carpenter, who had come all the way from Utah, served as you as I was sealed to you and Daddy for time and all eternity, making us finally part of a FOREVER FAMILY, sealed together FOREVER by the proper authority!

What a GLORIOUS day it was! How thankful I am for the restored ordinances of the Temple and the power to bind on earth and know that we will be bound in heaven!

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for so many who came from so far to be with us today, Mom. Joe & Linda Hintz were there, too, and the Carpenters and the Sweetwoods and the Tyndalls and the Palmers and the Robys and Jerry Horn and Dave Zeman and Fe Jensen and the Ruthie & David Herrera. The sealing room was PACKED.

Then the Watkins, Paul & SueAnn were kind enough to host an Open House at their home after the sealing took place. Paul took a BUNCH of pictures which I will put into a scrapbook that Jeanne gave me. She & Ken came to the Open House with Matthew. Aura & Craig came with Ian. Sue Kudla, from down the block, was there and brought some GORGEOUS pink roses. Renee' Daniel & Werner Tyszka were there and brought me a GORGEOUS paperweight of the Temple etched in crystal. The Palmers gave me a "Forever Mom" necklace that just has "momomomom" engraved on it in one eternal circle ... VERY COOL!

Lynda Raddon came; she was in town, too, but wasn't able to make it to the Temple. Mom & Dad, it was just one HUGE GRAND REUNION, both here AND in Heaven today!!!

My heart is full. The Lord is good. Earth life has its tough days but today was a day of JOY, a day never to be had again. Instead of remembering this as the day you died, Mom, now I will ALWAYS remember every September 20th as the day we were sealed together forever. It wasn't a day of loss, my beloved Mother and Best Friend. It was a day of ETERNAL gain and eternal JOY!!!

So, with this, my final entry in your guestbook, I close the past year of my life. It has been the longest, hardest year of my life. I miss you EVERY day and I know I will miss you for the rest of my life. You were my EVERYTHING, my Best Friend and my life.

But thanks to the eternal ordinances performed in the Holy Temple today, I KNOW we will be together FOREVER. And I KNOW that Our Heavenly Father and Our Savior love us beyond measure.

May the memory of today burn forever bright in my heart and in my mind so that, even on the tough days, I will remember today and know in my heart that whatever struggles I am called to go through, it will all be worth it to see your smiling face again when we meet in a world far better than this one.

Until that time, my dear Mother and wonderful Father, my loving Brother, and to the grandparents I never knew ...

God be with you till we meet again.

With all the Love I can muster,

Gina Della Focosi,

proud daughter FOREVER of Alex and Della Focosi ....

Gina Focosi

September 17, 2008

What a week, Mom! Saturday (9/13) brought record rainfalls in our area and we had water in the basement for the FIRST TIME EVER!

I am still dealing with all the clean-up and the aftermath of having about 4 inches of water in our basement. Home maintenance sure has it's drawbacks! How did you do it all on your own all those years?! You were one INCREDIBLY STRONG woman!!

Thank heavens Diane urged me to get flood insurance ... and I did ... just 4 weeks before the flood. I think you were looking out for me, and for the house, Mom.

Diana and Dave are flying in from Utah on Saturday and we are ALL going to the Chicago Temple where I will do your Temple work and FINALLY be sealed to you and Daddy for time and all eternity!

I have been looking forward to this day all year, Mom. I will make one last entry in this guesbook the evening of the sealings, and then order a copy of the guestbook for our family records.

Oh, guess what I found while cleaning out the basement after the flood? All the letters you wrote to me while I was at BYU as well as all the letters you wrote to me when I was a missionary in Italy. What a TREASURE!!! I read some of them already and felt you very close to me, Mom.

I love you and I miss you and I always will. You were and are THE BEST MOM EVER!!!

All My Love,
Your Baby Girl

Gina Focosi

September 4, 2008

I got this poem from my friend Mary in Ohio today, Mom, and I just HAD to have it in here ...

Gina,
I thought of you when I first got this. I know this will be a tough
time for you coming up. Just keep your faith and your wonderful memories.

Mary

***************************

The Journey Of A Mother

For those who are fortunate enough to still be blessed by having your Mom with you, this is beautiful...For those who aren't... it is even more beautiful.

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog, and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms.

And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all...unconditional love.
And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."

The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became a little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the Mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children."

And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them. And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates."

And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence."

Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember,
flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter.

And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion ...happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow... and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.

She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space...not even death!

"The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart."
~Helen Keller~

We call them MOTHERS

Gina Focosi

August 27, 2008

I went out looking at condos for the first time tonight, Momma. Oh, how I wish we had done this together BEFORE you died! It is all SO confusing and SO scary for me!! I want you by my side to help me make this HUGE decision!! Right now I just can't even imagine living anyplace but OUR house where we lived TOGETHER for ALL of my life, Mom!! I never want to leave here but it's SO HARD for me to be here without you ... especially with all the stupid, steep, narrow stairs ... and my bad knee ... and all the property and always having to worry about a landscaper and all the stupid snow and ice ... But this is HOME ... It ALWAYS has been. There is SO MUCH of YOU HERE WITH ME but I don't want to become a prisoner of my emotions here. I know you want me to move on. Why oh why is this SOOO HARD?! Like I said, I SOOO wish you were still here to help me make one of the BIGGEST decisions I'll EVER have to make in my life ...

I miss you EVERY DAY, Momma!!!

Gina

August 12, 2008

AMAZING -- It's almost a year since you left me, Momma. Can I tell you that not a day has gone by since your passing that I have not thought of you and shed a few tears at some point during the day because I know I will always miss you SO MUCH?! You were and forever will be my BEST FRIEND and the BEST MOTHER anyone could have EVER asked for.

I can never thank you enough for the way you raised me or the great legacy you left me. I KNOW you are close by and are ALWAYS with me and will be for the rest of my life. I guess you were right, even though I doubted you this first year -- But, like you told me before you passed, "Honey, you are stronger than you think." Well, I'm still not quite so sure about that, like you were, but I have gotten through this first year (almost), thanks to the strength I gained from YOU.

I look forward to that glorious day when I can join you and Daddy and Danny and Joey and so many others who have gone on before me -- I KNOW you will be the first one to greet me on the other side, with open arms, and the warm hugs and "I love you's" that I now miss so incredibly much.

Dave & Diana are coming in from Utah. We will be at the Temple together on September 20, the one year anniversary of your death, along with other friends, and I will FINALLY, after 35+ years, be able to be sealed to you & Daddy for time and all eternity. I KNOW this will be a VERY SPECIAL day in BOTH of our lives, Momma!

I will make one last post that weekend and then seal this book up forever and have it printed. Please know that I think of you EVERY DAY and am SO THANKFUL you are MY Mother and that I had you for as long as I did and was able to share as much with you as we did.

I love you ALWAYS, my Dearest Mother.

Gina Focosi

July 10, 2008

Well, my first birthday without you came and went. Debbie Wood and Cathy Kessel came to spend the day with me. We had dinner at Hackney's, then went to a movie, then back to the house to watch all the fireworks. Remember when we used to sit on the couch together and open up the drapes to the picture window and watch all the fireworks from the livingroom window, Mom? It just wasn't the same without you. I REALLY MISSED YOU that day!

And ... it happened ... Betty died on June 30, 2008. She is up in Heaven with YOU now ... and with her parents, too. Her funeral was the day before my birthday. So, it just really wasn't a very happy one this year.

I keep trying, Mom. But, man ... between you and AnnaMarie and now Betty, this has just been the Year from HELL and there are no two ways about it.

SOOO MUCH I would have shared with you that I now have to do ALONE. You would have come to Betty's wake and funeral with me ... and to Mary's wedding next weekend... and to Rich Russo, Jr's the weekend after that.

Rich, Sr. is a judge in DuPage County now. Pretty cool, huh? His parents would be so proud of him. Some days I just need a nice BIG HUG from my Momma ... and your shoulder to cry on, and your listening ear. I NEVER in a MILLION YEARS thought life would be SO HARD without you. But it is what it is.

I miss you EVERY day and LOVE you FOREVER, Momma ...

Your Baby Girl,

Mom & Daugthers - Maddux's 1st Birthday

June 12, 2008

Mom, Betty & Gina - 2007

June 12, 2008

What a SMILE she had!

June 12, 2008

Mom with Joel

June 12, 2008

My Darling Mother and Best Friend

June 12, 2008

Mom - Cheeshead - Madison, WI Trip

June 12, 2008

Mom - First Cateract Surgery with Arnold

June 12, 2008

Mom - Making the Ravioli

June 12, 2008

Joel, Mom, Mike - Maddux's Christening

June 12, 2008

Mom - First Santa Photo - Branson 2006

June 12, 2008

Gina Focosi

June 12, 2008

Oh, what a year this has been, Momma! First I had to watch YOU, my hero, Momma and Best Friend leave me. Then AnnaMarie, who had become such a great shoulder to cry on after you left me, got sick and passed away the week before Mother's Day. Now, my dear friend Betty is also dying. She is only 45-years-old. I am so sad for her. But, part of me is jealous, too. She gets to be with her Mom and Dad again. I have to wait to see you and Daddy again, and try to make some sense of my life in the meantime.

Most days I am all right. But, grief is a funny thing, Mom. I never thought it would be like this at all. Sometimes it just creeps up and sucker punches me in the gut and I cry and cry, either in my car, or in the house, because I miss you SO MUCH and I just want to be with you again.

Gas & food prices have sky-rocketed since you died. Life is just crazy. Joel and Heather have a new son, the first great-grandchild to never know his Great-Gramma Focosi. Pat is in her new condo now. Mary is getting married to Dan in July. In a couple weeks, it will be my birthday. That was the last time we were together when you were still healthy. It will be another tough day without you, just like so many others.

Life goes on but I think about you and miss you and wish I could be with you EVERY SINGLE DAY, Mommy. I love you forever.

Gina

Gina Focosi

May 7, 2008

Sunday is Mother's Day, Mom ... my first one without you. There have been a LOT of those "firsts" this year. I went to the cemetery this morning. I know you know how very much I still miss you. And I also know that you are with me EVERY day. I am doing much better, Mom. I know you know that, and that you are looking out for me.

I love you and I miss you and I KNOW I will see you and we will be together again ... this time FOREVER!!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom ...

You were and are and always will be ... THE BEST MOM EVER!!!

I LOVE YOU,

Your Baby Girl,

Gina

Auralee Scott

April 7, 2008

I enjoyed regularly visiting Della with the sister missionaries in my capacity as the Relief Society president of the North Shore Second Ward. Della was a wonderful person to visit with and be around. She loved people, especially "our" people, and she was grateful Gina was "connected" to us. Most of "our" congregation knew Della and loved her. We miss her, but we know she is in a better place.

Valerie Roach

April 4, 2008

I was very lucky to have met Della. she was a wonderful lady and such a great person. She has a wonderful daughter to boot who is always there to help people out and has such a big heart. I know you are watching over her and she misses you tons just as we all miss you very very much.

David Sweetwood

April 1, 2008

Dear Della
Putting my thoughts into words is not something I do very well so I can only hope that you will be able to draw the feeling and meaning out as you read this.
First let me say that I am sorry I did not get to see you more often over the last years of your life here on earth. I am just so grateful that I took the time to visit you on your birthday during the time I was in Virginia. If you remember I was away from my family doing training in Virginia and was lucky enough to get away to Chicago for a short visit. I missed my wife and children but on that weekend it was like being home. You know if time and money were not an issue I would have come to see you more often. I can truly say that I never spent time at your house that was unhappy. I never left wishing I had been someplace else. Many times you took me in and feed me and never once did I go home hungry. Never did I leave without a hug and a warm good by. Sometimes when I came over you put me to work. Some times it was something as simple as shoveling a little snow that took no more then a few minutes. On other occasions it was a multi day event painting the inside of the house. No matter what I was doing to help it never felt like work. I loved the company and the time spent visiting made the time doing the job fly by.
I have already found myself missing our visits. I also miss the times I would call to say hi to Gina but she wouldn’t be home so we would visit. After I moved to Utah I always looked forward to calling on your birthday and on holidays just to make sure you knew I was thinking about you. I loved it and you always acted so happy to hear from me.
The one disappointment that comes to my mind when I think of not getting to be with you again in this life is that you never got to meet my children. You would have loved them both and I know they would have loved you.
I could try and write a lot more but I am not sure I would truly be able to convey my feelings. If my actions toward you when we were together did show the love and joy I had being your friend then I know my words will never be able to.
One last thing, I may be some distance away now and not be able to stop by the house whenever I want but I will still keep an eye on Gina for you.

I love you and miss you!
Your “other son” Dave
(I loved when you use to call me that)

Barbie H.

March 28, 2008

It was a pleasure to meet such a sweet lady, and I will cherish that memory. Heaven became a tad brighter when God opened His arms and welcomed such a beautiful Spirit as Della. My hugs go out to all those who miss her dearly. {{{HUGS}}} Love especially to her precious daughter, Gina.

Barbara Applegate

March 28, 2008

A Reminiscence

YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.

May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.

Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;

To think a soul so near divine,
Within a form so angel fair,
United to a heart like thine,
Has gladdened once our humble sphere.

By Anne Bronte
The Poetry Foundation

John & Jennie Adams

March 27, 2008

Dear Gina,
We are thinking of you and hoping you are doing alright! You had such wonderful times with your mom; it's hard to lose a best friend. We are thinking of you and need to get together sometime....We love you!

Jeanne Mills

March 27, 2008

Your dear mother is among my "most admired" people in this world! Her warm and caring nature, her spunk and sense of humor, and her strength and zest for life are a model me! I love your mom!

Love, Jeanne (Kenning) Mills

Renata Skousen

March 27, 2008

You are always thought of. Your mom welcomed me and my mom into your house many times...she was such a special lady. Love to you Gina, and to her.

March 26, 2008

We'll miss you at our Relief Society functions. It was always nice to see you there.
Rivka Van De Graaff, IL

Theresa Kussmann-Mathy

March 26, 2008

I miss you Grandma. I have so many loving memories of you. You made my childhood a happy one!

Love, Theresa

Sue Bohlman

March 26, 2008

Dear Gina Della Focosi:
You were my first friend and your house was probably the first house I went to without my family and you and your mom welcomed me.

There is a story that still is shared about the first day of kindergarden and the question of where the bus was supposed to stop. It was very simple...Gina's house, go figure the bus knew where to stop...

It is hard to believe that your mom has left us to be in heaven, she was a guardian angel and it is hard to think that she is not down the street anymore.

May God's arms be around you to comfort you during this sad time.
Your mom was a special lady and she is missed.

Nona Acosta

March 26, 2008

Dear Gina,
I love your mom. She was a great person. I am so glad Arsie and I got to know her. I always felt her motherly warmth everytime I talked to her. I am sure she is happy where she is now and she is watching over you.
love, Nona

Angela & James Blazek

March 26, 2008

How can I ever forget my friend who shared the same birthday.God Bless
and keep you in his care till we meet
again. Angie Giovannetti Blazek

Gina

March 23, 2008

Happy First Easter in Heaven, Momma! I miss you SO MUCH still. I know I will every day for the rest of my life. You were EVERYTHING to me. Today, on this Most Holy of Days, I rejoice in the knowledge I have that, thanks to Our Brother, Friend and Savior, Jesus Christ, I WILL see you and Daddy again, and that, thanks to the Eternal Plan of Salvation set forth by Our Heavenly Father, we WILL be together again some day ... FOREVER ... in a far better world than this one ... a glorious place where we will NEVER have to say good-bye again, Mom. I love you,

Your Baby Girl

Gina

March 11, 2008

It will be 6 months next week since I lost my Momma and Best Friend. Everyone has said that "time will heal" the void. Gotta be honest here ... It hasn't happened yet! Most days I still miss her more than words can express. I never thought I would still feel this way 6 months down the road. Grieving is pretty tough stuff.

Life is so hard and so lonley without you, Mom. There is so much to do and to be concerned about, and most days I just feel so very alone. There are good friends and wonderful family members, but none of them are YOU, and it is YOU who I miss so very, very much. You were my life and now it is so hard to find myself without you.

I hope you are happy in Heaven with Daddy and Danny and Joey and everyone who loved you. I will love you and miss you for the rest of my life, which I know will never be the same again ...

Dotty Dotson

February 27, 2008

Gina,

I'm sorry I never made it to Chicago to meet your sweet mother. I'm sure we would have had fun meeting each other as she was a real hoot from your descriptions. I only have your pictures and tales to go by. You're still in my thoughts and prayers, Sweetie.

Gina Focosi

December 24, 2007

I still miss you EVERY DAY of my life, Momma. Today is my first Christmas Even without you. Pat is sick. I was going to go there. Thank heavens for good friends. I will spend the morning with the Dubiels and the afternoon with Debbie Wood. I love them all dearly but, of course, none of them are YOU. My life and my Christmases will NEVER be the same again ... but I KNOW you are watching over me from Heaven and that you are spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

I love you, my Angel Mother ...

Gerry Ferry

November 23, 2007

Thinking about you and the rest of your family this holiday, Gina - and sending you lots of love.

((((HUGS))))
Gerry

Gina

November 21, 2007

Tomorrow is my first major holiday without my dear Mother. It was 2 months ago yesterday that she left us and the void in my life is INCREDIBLE. I never thought it would be this hard.

I am thankful this year for my family and for good friends and for God.

Happy Thanksgiving, my Sweet Angel Mother ... I love you and miss you more than words can say ...

Your Baby Girl

Paula Allen

October 3, 2007

Dear Gina and family,
My heart and prayers go out to you all during this time of trial and need. I am grateful for the Gospel that gives us many answers at this time, especially where your mom is and that she is just fine, enjoying a family reunion with all who have met her on the other side.

May you all be blessed and comforted and always in His loving care.

Love,

Gina Focosi

October 2, 2007

Only 8 more days and it would have been Mom's 90th birthday. Diane, Pat and I (my sisters) will go out for lunch together on that date (October 10th) and eat her favorite food (Chinese) in her memory. It has only been not even two weeks since she left me and I miss her every day of my life. The tears constantly flow and I await the day when I can be reunited with my Father and dear Mother once again. I love them and miss them so very, very much. ONE day at a time and FAITH in every footstep ...

Della's and Alex's Baby Girl ... Gina

Dolores McClead

October 1, 2007

Your mother was such a wonderful example and a pleasure to be around. I'm glad I had the pleasure to know her. She will live on through you and through those who love her.

Caroline Walker

October 1, 2007

My Dear friend Gina
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Your mom was a special lady and it was an honour for me to have met her. She welcomed this stranger from England and was so happy to let me stay and be part of the family for the weekend. I felt part of the family, thankyou for letting me get to know her. God be with you.
Love you.

Denise Ferguson

September 30, 2007

Gina,
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of loss. As I glance through all of the messages posted here, I am amazed at the outpouring of love from all over the country. Your mother must have been a great lady. I hope you take comfort in that and find peace in the days to come.

Chris & Lynne Kite at Manti UT Temple, Aug 2006

Chris & Lynne Kite

September 30, 2007

Our prayers are with you. We pray that Della may have a blessed reunion with Ugo and her other kin. Noted below is what Gina gave as tribute in Feb 2003 at our Liberty Celebration.

Chris & Lynne Kite

I am Ugo Alessandro Pietro Focosi. On the 16th of April 1920, I came to Ellis Island at the age of 17. I am from Borgo a Buggiano, Lucca (Pistoia), Italy. I came on the ship Duca Degli Abbruzzi that departed from Genoa, Liguria, Italy. Today on the Internet you can see a photo of the ship. It matches the postcard that is still in our family photos. I sent the postcard to my sister (Lalina) who was already living in Chicago. My voice is from my daughter Gina Della Theresa Maria Focosi.

She is in God's Arms again ...

September 30, 2007

Beth mcconnell

September 29, 2007

Gina.It was lovely meeting your mum when we came to Chicago from England.I loved going for the meal and thought your mum was very sweet and talked a lot to me. I sent lots of prayers when she was ill and still say prayers now at home and at school.We have a special book for people who need prayers. Love Beth mcconnell aged 10 years in the UK XXXXXX

Brenda Lucas

September 28, 2007

Gina, I want to extend my condolences to you and your family. Hope all of your memories of your Mom will bring a smile to your face. She sounded like a wonderful lady.
Love,

Kim and Pat Downes

September 28, 2007

Gina, so sorry to hear of your loss. I only met your mom a couple of times many years ago. What I know of her is through your emails. She must have been special to have raised such a loving daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Lynda Hardy

September 28, 2007

Dear Gina,
sadly I never got to meet your mother, but all that I have read and heard about her, speak of a wonderful lady, who I am sure I would have loved immensely.

Words can never fill the void left when somebody dear to us departs, but I hope it is of some consolation to know that you and your family are in the hearts and thoughts of so many during this very hard time in your lifes.

All my love, Lynda

Craig & K Carpenter

September 28, 2007

Gina, How sorry we are for your profound loss of Dear Della though we can't help but rejoice thinking of many joyous heavenly reunions.
One of the gifts she shared with you is that of a warm, sincere and happy welcome. Thinking of you two we see the smile, sparkeling eyes and can almost feel the hugs, You have drawn your circle of caring wide to include many. You do not forget your family of friends and we will not forget you as you remain in our prayers and heart. We love you,
Craig & K Carpenter

Mary Ann Menke

September 28, 2007

Della was a sweet woman. I believe we will all be together again, and I hope your faith helps you be comforted. Till we meet her again...

Steve & Teena Jensen

September 28, 2007

Gina:

We are sorry to learn of your mother's passing and hope you will find peace and comfort in the knowledge of the resurrection. May the Lord bless you and your family with comfort you in your time of grief!

Love,

Gary Chase

September 27, 2007

Dear Gina,
Your Mother will have a High Place in Heaven.

I have offered my Prayers for the both of you

Charmaine Allsop

September 27, 2007

Gina,

I was so sorry to read of your loss. You're blessed though to have a knowledge and understanding of the plan of salvation and the eternal nature of families. It will be a sweet day when you can complete her temple work.

I love you Gina. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Charmaine

Amy Roan

September 27, 2007

Gina,
We know you mom had some stong opinions, but she also had a very stong love for family and friends. I will never forget all the hats she made for Samantha when she was so tiny.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

Love,
Mike, AMy, Jamie, Sam

Julie Randall

September 27, 2007

Gina & family, I had met your mother only once but she truly left a warm spot in my heart with all the great stories & adventures you both shared. My prayer is for you to have the Father's peace settle in your heart & gather your strength & comfort in these coming days from Him.
I'm so sorry for your loss.

Kurt and Linda Christensen

September 27, 2007

Even if all your siblings were scoundrels, Gina, (and they're not), guiding you to adulthood would have been sufficient to cement her reputation as a great lady. Linda and I send our condolences, and with joy that you and she can be reunited again.

Bruce and Detra Bennett

September 27, 2007

Dearest Gina,

Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your Mom with us. She was one special lady who lived fully. She blessed everyone who knew her. We love you.

Pamela Skelton

September 27, 2007

Gina,

I so wish that I could be there to hold and hug you for a while just 'cause! You and Mom were such a HOOT together (and will be again sooner than we think!) I so love the memories of the few times we were all able to get together to enjoy some good food and GREAT sisterhood. Please know you are on my mind often and in my heart ALWAYS!!! Hugs, hugs, & more hugs my dear, dear sister! =`0)

John and Cheryl Forsberg

September 27, 2007

Gina,

I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. Please accept our condolences. I know her passing will leave a void in your life, but with your understanding of the gospel plan, sadness and grief will eventually be replaced with gladness and joy, and each memory you share of her will be a tribute to her legacy.

May the Lord's blessings ever be upon you.

Warm regards,

Betty Fox

September 27, 2007

Gina,
You know how much I loved your mom. She was the sweetest and most caring person. She will definitely be missed. I'm so glad we went to lunch when I was visiting in July and got that picture of us. She's with loved ones. I'll also miss her spaghetti and those Italian wafer cookies.
Love, Betty

Mary Enderle

September 27, 2007

Gina and family,

It was a pleasure to meet your mom in 2006. I'll treasure that meeting and the love I witnessed between Mom and Gina. You both made my stay such a pleasure. Always treasure the special memories....I know you all have them. May God bless you and your families.

Carol Bauer

September 27, 2007

Gina and Family,
I was able to meet your mother and what a pleasure that was. I wish I knew her better. She is happy visiting all those that have gone before. Life is a journey and she had one heck of a journey here on earth with those she loves. All my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Vicki Horrocks

September 27, 2007

Gina,

I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I pray that the Lord will comfort and bless you and help you to feel of my love for you. I am so grateful for the opportunities I had to spend time in your home and to feel of her love and spirit. I loved her Italian flare and food and her way of making me feel like part of the family.

She truly is a great woman and the memories that I have of her will always be close to my heart.

I love you sister Gina!!!

'Kita

Josie Mcconnell

September 27, 2007

Gina. Josie Alan and Beth are so happy they got to meet mom in November when we flew from UK. Our visit was short but mom made a big impression.God Bless Gina

Carla Lake

September 27, 2007

Gina, although I didn't get to meet your Mom, I always enjoyed the stories of your adventures together. I'm glad you have such wonderful memories that will never leave you. Much love, Carla

Amy Orcutt

September 27, 2007

Gina and family,

I have heard so much about your Mom and was very lucky to get to meet both of you in Branson in November. She was a very special person and I could see how much you cared for her while we were there. May you be blessed.

K J

September 27, 2007

Hey Kiddo

I have such wonderful memories of a spirited, funny and very, very guttsy lady and I thank YOU for that Gina.

Spending time with you guys in Chicago although brief was a privilege.

May God wrap you in His tender arms and shield and arm you for the future.

God's love to you and your family.

September 27, 2007

My Deepest Sympathy to you, Gina, and all your family
from Janis Pinder

Gerry Dunne

September 27, 2007

Dear cousins Jim, Pat, Diane and Gina, My Aunt Della was a wonderful lady. I will always remember her warm hugs, her great stories, her hearty laugh and her famous Italian Cookies. When I had her cookies later in life it brought back so many memories of family parties and holidays. Her spirit will remain alive in my heart. My condolences, Gerry (Kussmann) Dunne

Janis Pinder

September 27, 2007

My deepest Sympathy to you, Gina, and your family
love from Janis Pinder

Lisa and Jan Robison

September 27, 2007

Gina,
Mom(Jan) and I always enjoyed our time spent with you and sweet Della. You and your family are in our hearts, our thoughts, and always in our prayers. She was a great lady and I expect she will do great things along side our Heavenly Father.

Jerome Kussmann

September 27, 2007

Hi Gina. I am so sorry that you have lost your mom, I know how much her company meant to you. I am very glad that my little family was able to meet her whe we went to Chicago and stayed at Jackies. All the best from my family to you,
Jerome, Ying, and Maxwell

Gina Focosi

September 27, 2007

I miss her SO MUCH. Thank you all for your kind expressions of caring, concern and sympathy. Please make sure to visit the photo album, as I have uploaded several favorite photos, and I invite you to do the same.

Thank you all again for your support and friendship and love for both of us all of these years.

God Be with You till We Meet Again,

Gina

Paulo & Kat Sgiers

September 27, 2007

Gina: We know how much you and your mom loved to travel together (expecially to Donny!) Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time as you prepare to continue on with her in your heart.

Branson Christmas 2006

September 27, 2007

1968-Painting the fence in Niles

September 27, 2007

Disneyland 1986

September 27, 2007

Making Ravioli with Danny

September 27, 2007

How she LOVED her family!

September 27, 2007

After cataract surgery - She was SO FUN!

September 27, 2007

Diana Skousen

September 27, 2007

It's not often that the parents of your friends become your friends also, but Della was an exception to most rules. She was a most caring and fun loving individual and you couldn't help but love her. I certainly did and will miss her infectious laughter and deep love and concern. But I'm also certain she is still sharing that on the other side of the veil, both with us still and with all those she loved who passed that way before her. Let's keep all the precious memories close and look forward to the time when we will see her again.

Karen Paver

September 27, 2007

Sistah,

Thanks for the memories of my and Tommy's visit in Chicago last October with you and Mom. We will cherish those moments forever.

Mom is healthy and happy in Heaven with our Heavenly Father watching over you, loving you, praying for you in your time of sorrow. Remember the good times and know Mom lives on in you, and with all of your family.

Love you Lots,
Sister Karen

Gram&Joel-She was SO MUCH FUN!

September 27, 2007

1960-Mom&Dad-Now they are together again

September 27, 2007

July2007-Gina,Betty,Mom-Last healthy photo

September 27, 2007

Ginny Nilson

September 27, 2007

Dear Gina-
Thanks for introducing me to your mom. She always had a way of making me laugh and I'm sure she brought that same spirit to your home. I loved to visit with her and hear her take on life and I know you will miss and cherish those times. May she be at peace knowing that you will carry on. We love you and hope that your sorrow will be but for a small moment.
The Batt-Nilson family

Aaron Roby

September 27, 2007

Gina, a few thoughts I have found as I have been contiplating Della's life and her wonderful spirit.

"Birth is a beginning
and death a destination
And life is a journey:
From childhood to maturity
and youth to age;
From innocence to awareness
and ignorance to knowing;
From foolishness to desecration
and then perhaps to wisdom.
From weakness to strength or
from strength to weakness
and often back again;
From health to sickness
and we pray to health again.
From offense to forgiveness
from loneliness to love
from joy to gratitude
from pain to compassion
from grief to understanding
from fear to faith.
From defeat to defeat to defeat
until looking backwards or ahead
We see that victory lies not
at some high point along the way
but in having made the journey
step by step
a sacred pilgrimage.
Birth is a beginning
and death a destination
And life is a journey;
A sacred journey to life everlasting"

Carl Baumeister

September 27, 2007

I always felt a warm and hearty welcome at "Mama Focosi's" house. Zagat's has just raised its rating of Heaven's kitchen!

Jackie Price

September 27, 2007

Dear Cousins,
It is a difficult time and the mind is filled with so many memories. We have some good memories and many funny ones too. What a treasure your mom was and you, her children are her gift to all of us.

Paula & Doreen Hanson

September 27, 2007

My dear friend Gina,

We will never forget your beautiful Mom, it was an honour for Mum & I to know her.

All our love and prayers to you, Pat & Diane.

Lori Mroczek

September 27, 2007

May the wonderful memories of your mother’s love be with you and comfort you at this time.

Jerry Horn

September 27, 2007

To Gina,
Thank you for making your mother part of our life. Pat and I always marveled at her strength, and her awareness of life. There will many blessings awaiting her in even a better eternal life, for you have taught her many things about the gospel.
Jerry and Pat Horn

Linda Hintz

September 27, 2007

Dear Gina and Family of Della,
We remember Della and the sweet spirit she always had when we happened to see her. We were saddened to hear of her passing. In fact, Phil called us to read Gina's email to us. Our whole family sends our condolences.
May the Lord bless you and comfort you, Love Linda & Joseph Hintz and family

Geraldine Ferry

September 27, 2007

To Gina and family - know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

Debbie Wood

September 27, 2007

Gina and family,
Life won't be the same without Mama Della. I will miss her sweet spirit. She was a fun dinner companion, and I loved to talk with her. I had not felt that much interest, and concern since I lost my precious mom. I'm sure they are going to be great friends, just like us.
I see so much of her in you. You make her, and our Heavenly Father so very proud.
Love you,
Debbie

Chris Johnson

September 27, 2007

Our deepest sympathy to Gina and the family. It has been a long time since I had the privilege of seeing Della but I remember a warm, caring person who brought honor to the term "Mom".
It was also my privilege to be served lasagne at her table many years ago and no subsequent lasagnes have measured up to hers(!)
May God bless you all and may you find peace in your loss.

Wendy Ward

September 27, 2007

Della was a very feisty, very funny, very hard-working, and very caring woman. She welcomed all, and made everyone feel like family. I liked to think of her as Mammala. I will miss her sweet smile and her great sense of humor. I know Gina has lost her mother, her best friend, and her traveling companion, and that leaves a big hole in her life. We, as her friends, will have to try to fill it as best we can. We love you, Gina.

Marina Koval/Vagil

September 27, 2007

It was always a pleasure to see Della at our church events. I got her secret of making raviolli. Nice, adorable women, great mother whose kids are faithful, kind and happy. God bless those in sorrow...

Cheri Zinzer

September 27, 2007

Dear Gina and Family-
Our deepest sympathies are extended in the passing of your mother. Her loss will be deeply felt because of the depth of the love she gave. Thankfully, that love continues on with you all.

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