Cecilia Friedman

Missing you

Tata

There are no words to tell you, Tata,

What losing you has meant,

But now each day brings memories

Of happy years we spent.

You’d want us all to smile again

And that’s just what we do,

Every time we reminisce

With loving thoughts of you.

You’re with us

when each new day dawns

And when we say Goodnight,

Our Guardian angel here on earth

And Heaven’s shining light.

Cecilia’s “Tata’s” Life

Mom was a wonderful woman, really an inspiration for all of us. A much loved wife, mom, grandmother (Tata), teacher, and friend. She was such a selfless woman as she was always caring for others, even, before herself. She welcomed everyone, especially those who felt alone and lonely. She was always full of love. Mom had much courage, as she came alone to the US from her native country of Colombia, South America. She studied in at the University in Alabama, where she learned how to speak English and made friends. One particular family took her under their wings and made her feel so welcome. They became life long friends. Mom’s journey then continued in New York City where her parents joined her and where she got her first job. During the summer of 1951, Mom met Dad through his cousin and shortly after they were married on July 30, 1953. They started their family in Lynbrook, Long Island (N.Y.). My brother, Kenny and I spent our entire childhood there and have fond memories with the Pratt’s, our next neighbors and life long friends. My Aunt, Marie Pratt was mom’s best friend for many years until her death. Both families did everything together; church services, everyday activities, holiday, and vacations. We also got to know and enjoy the Truglios, Toby’s, Hughes, Galganos, and Christafullis, to name a few.Mom’s passion was being a housewife, the best mom that she could be, and the most loving wife. She kept a very tidy and beautiful house. Cleaning and cooking is something she really loved! She was a terrific cook and baker almost to the end. She made delicious food from all around the world. Some of her favorite dishes were Sweet and Sour Chicken, Stuffed Shells, Spanish Paella, Arepas, Chicken Rice, Jell-O Molds, Pineapple Upside Cake, and Flan. We have fond memories of our early school lunches. As my mother had no idea what peanut butter and jelly was, she came up with a very different sandwich. Spanish olives and cream cheese on white bread, and she was adamant that we drank our milk- “La Leche”! As a mom she took such care of us in every detail, as a high school Spanish teacher she was an admired, committed, and dedicated teacher who loved her Spanish language and culture. She had all her students over many times for Spanish dinners, music, and festivals. After some years of teaching, Mom and Dad moved to St. James and enjoyed making lasting friendships in this lovely quaint town. Throughout our childhood we continued to be close with Mom’s family who visited us many times from Colombia. We also kept our close family ties visiting Dad’s family in Brooklyn. I was so blessed that my job gave me the opportunity to share my travel benefits with Mom and Dad. They traveled all around the world on Pan Am and Delta and were able to truly immerse themselves into the different cultures as they only took local transportation, buses with chickens and all! Mom was a wonderful role mole for all her grandchildren. She helped raised them all and so enjoyed them! She was a real hands on grandma (Tata)- she played with them, taught them, shared her hobbies, and her faith. Mom loved to sew, knit, and did needle work. She even sewed my clothes as a child and knitted beautiful garments for each grandchild. She hand knitted huge Christmas stockings for all of us, including ours pets. Mom was super creative and put on some amazing themes parties for Ken and I that were so much fun! Mom love to play cards, Mahjong, Rummy Cube Dominos, Canasta, as wells as, she loved doing crafts for others. Here at Stratford, she made so many wonderful friends with staff and residents that were so lovely to her. She was so fortunate to meet Beryl who became one of her best friends. Both of them delighted spending their time together as buddies. Along with Joan, they created wreaths that sold for the Toy-For Tots Fundraiser. Doing is what Mom enjoyed which was fully expressed in her beading, doing ceramics, and painting. She adored John, her painting instructor who gave her much instruction and encouragement and adored her as well. We have many painting to remember her by! During the last six months, mom’s health started to decline. Her Parkinson’s and Pulmonary Fibrosis really started changing her lifestyle. She needed a wheel to get around and oxygen twenty-four seven. She also needed the wonderful caregivers. Hospice and others, she loved her companionship and kindness. Although she hated losing her independence, her strong will, dignity, grace, strength and perseverance kept her fighting to continue to live. She so loved life! She was an inspiration to all, although we have lost her, she will be in our minds and our hearts everyday! We will miss her dearly and but we are happy she is resting in peace with the Almighty Lord! We are sure she is looking over us and smiling. We will always feel her presence and support. Our wonderful memories with Mom and our families will never be forgotten.We thank you all for being Mom’s friend; she loved you all, as she did her family. I have kept this scripture verse in my wallet, “The Gift of Love” 1 Corinthian 13 and it captures what Mom was all about. Saint Paul says, Love is patient,

Love is kind,

Love does not envy,

Love does not boast,

Love is not proud,

Love is not rude,

Love is not self-seeking,

Love is not easily angered,

Love keeps no record of wrongs,

Love does not delight in evil,

Love rejoices with the truth,

Love always protects,

Love always trust,

Love always perseveres,

Love never fails

The memorable service to celebrate Cecilia’s life was held on Sunday, August 20th.

Links to view the Memorial Service video along with additional photos may be found just below--

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPEoy6xE4CIzRXf3sHcq32NaEXPD77QEchMhptWVXYwg73kIIoBKZDvvVtsPwfiBA?key=QnJTUnRsM1BwbEVGNmZSYldZZ19mdk9BYnVvdnF3

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipN8HBEvBWV2z3yKHcnv-be55OvW2rgF6-Xw3OQxuGeP84_0bm7ZeziPdKnceqOjfQ?key=WHRZbVc0aEJQX3paWjRpZHc0V2hQbzdhWmY5aTNR

She is survived by her husband, Harvey, of 90 years; two children, Lorrie Sutter and husband Kurt, Kenneth Friedman and wife Monica; and six grandchildren who she adored; Alana, Cassandra, and Kayla Yasso; Jakob, Jessica, and Jeramey Friedman.

Memorial gifts can be made through the following organizations:

The National Parkinson foundation @ http://www.parkinson.org

The Suncoast Hospice Foundation @ https://suncoasthospicefoundation.org/donations/

Lorrie.sutter@gmail.com

harcel@me.com



kfriedman@carolina.rr.com