JEANETTE ADELINE NEPA

I'm thinking about Aunt Jean's complete and total elegance today. I just tried to embody it in the mirror. Not there yet. Love her always, Susie

The world is just not as bright without you, Aunt Jean. I remember you tap dancing around the kitchen, telling so many stories, that glow-in-the-dark bikini number. I love you always. I offer light and incense, endless bows and wishes for ease and peace and continued release. Your niece, Susie

Today, I make the most awesome fettuccini because of my Aunt Jean. She was my first boss as I worked in the Amadeos' basement kitchen. I loved her. She always had a smile, was matter of fact and mesmerizing! She could: roll noodles, have a mega stove full of boiling pots (bigger than she) in full tilt, watch an oven full of chicken, answer the call for pasta orders to be sent up the dumbwaiter simultaneously keeping the downstairs banquette line full and fabulous! What a women! She wore cute blocky shoes and a sassy hair cut. I loved her. I remember sitting around the orange island in the home kitchen and just listen to the adults chatter. I would watch my aunt and if I may, I'd like to throw out some words that swirl around in my memory as I remember Aunt Jean: ...ornery smile, eyebrow raise, abundant laughter, observant, brunette eyes,intense, discerning, alive, flashing, caged, brave, patient, aprons, kind, diligent, wooden crate, stirring, heroine, talented, petite, fierce, studious, loyal, entertaining, tough, loving, humerous, confident, generous, resourceful, story teller, energetic, dance, inquiring, steam, sanquine, stark, beautiful...I will remember.

Such love and gratitude for my aunt Jean, a deeply influential parental figure for me. I think of her frequently with a lot of love and laughter. She was so warm and funny, and really met people intimately. I pray for her peace and for her contentment.

I love you Mom, so much. You taught me the love of languages and of words. You will always be the embodiment of beauty, grace, wit and love.