Florida Olivieri

Letter from Flori's three daughters - Rosa Blazejewski (Mark), Elena Munz (James) and Anna Olivieri (Anthony):

Dearest Mom, Our sunflower in eternal bloom - we miss you so much. Every part of us aches knowing we won't hear your sweet voice or see your cheerful smile. You were our anchor-our support, our comfort, our biggest fan, our safest place in the world. You gave us love every day of our lives without asking for anything in return. We carry that love with us now, but it's so painful not to have you here.

We take some comfort in the precious time you had with your seven grandchildren - Nicole, Luke, Siena, Alyssa, Brooke, Riley, and John Anthony. You absolutely adored them. Every moment spent with them lit you up. You took them to iceskating, tennis, and skiing lessons, watched their games and recitals, organized family celebrations, cheered their every accomplishment and consoled them in times of need. You gave them all your nurture, your warmth, your wisdom-and in return, they gave you the purest love. They are your legacy, and they carry your light. We see you in their gentle souls full of creativity and hope for the future.

Today we are filled with deep admiration, gratitude and pride.

Admiration -for the lifelong friendships you had, from childhood companions to friends across the seas in Spain, cousins in Denmark, and an older sister in France; from the in-laws you embraced as your own family, to your devoted colleagues at Mount Sinai; and your cherished Fordham University friends who stood by you through every chapter of your life. They traveled from afar to honor you here today.

Gratitude-for the love and affection you raised us with. And the way you ensured that all three of your daughters had the opportunity to earn college degrees, each going on to complete a master's or doctorate, thanks to your unwavering support and financial help.

Pride-for everything you accomplished, both personally and professionally, and for the strength and intelligence you carried with humility and grace.

Even though you arrived in this country as a child who didn't speak a word of English, you knew no limits. You were part of the second class of women ever admitted to Fordham University, which had previously been all-male. You excelled academically, and at a time when women faced barriers to higher education, you were one of the few admitted to Temple University Medical School, following in your mother's footsteps to become a doctor.

You married your college sweetheart and graduated from medical school pregnant with your first daughter, often joking that you both earned the degree. After taking ten years off to raise your young children, you made the hard decision to return-completing your internship and residency while juggling the demands of hospital life and motherhood. You went on to pursue a fellowship in geriatrics, ultimately becoming professor at the prestigious Mount Sinai Medical Center, where you cared for patients and taught medical students, who adored you. You were even honored as Teacher of the Year, and listed among New York Magazine's "Top Doctors."

Being a doctor was truly your calling - you had an innate desire to care for others without ever expecting anything in return. But your healing went beyond the physical-you radiated joy and happiness, somehow managing to lift the spirits of everyone around you. No matter how stressful your own life became, you always made time for us, ready to help with our problems, big or small. Your compassion and generosity was limitless to all who knew you. You were sweet, gentle, and down-to-earth in a way that made people feel understood and special. You could brighten a room with one of your corny stories that seemed to have no end, and even when we shook our heads giggling, we secretly loved them. You always chose to see the good in life-even during the darkest moments.

And the way you battled cancer-with courage and positivity we didn't even know was humanly possible. The surgeries and brutal rounds of chemotherapy didn't stop you from traveling, having adventures, and enjoying time with family and friends. These were not somber occasions, you always made them celebrations. You orchestrated our entire family's lavish vacations to Spain and Italy, memories we will have forever. Even as your body weakened, and pain and horrors took root, your spirit stayed strong. Until the very end, you put others needs ahead of your own. Watching your strength was inspiring.

We wish you didn't have to suffer. We wish you had more time. You loved life-you weren't ready to go-and that makes this even harder. It breaks our hearts. But we hope you felt how deeply you were loved as you took your last breath. We were there with you, holding you. You were not alone. And you never will be-not in our hearts.

We'll carry you with us. In our decisions, in our laughter, in how we love others, and in every silent moment you're in our thoughts. Thank you for your wisdom, your positivity, your joy, your strength, your sacrifices, your humor, your tenderness, your purity, your endless love. You made life better just by being in it.

You were truly a gift from God, and we are so grateful for the time we had with you. You are now home in heaven watching over us always. May your soul be cradled in eternal peace.

We love you forever.