I am so sorry to learn of Pansy's passing. I have so many memories of Pansy and Tony growing up. My parents, Betty and John Francin, were good friends with them when they lived in Astoria on 33rd Street. I remember playing Rummy Royal at our apartment with them and having blue crabs at their house. Pansy was beautiful inside and out -- always full of life, kind and generous. RIP, Pansy.





The last few weeks have made me realize how much I really miss Grandma & Grandpa. It was fantastic to have them living across the hall from us on 44th  street for all of those years during my childhood and I really miss those days. Every night I tell Katie and the kids another couple stories and it has been very enjoyable. The story telling has really been a bright spot for all of us during this difficult time. I am thrilled that they had the opportunity to know and love Grandma but unfortunately they never met Grandpa. They do, however, know him and love him through me. It is unfortunate that we were not all able to be in Florida yesterday for a proper send off to Grandma, as we did in Indiana for Grandpa, but it is abundantly clear from the pictures and what we all have written, that we all were there in spirit. Grandma was larger than life and her spirit will live in all of her hearts forever. I am thrilled that Grandma & Grandpa are now reunited in heaven. We love you both and will miss you dearly!!!
Thank you Patricia for doing a great job and it was nice speaking to you about Grandma.

I attended the beautiful memorial service today for Pansy.  I truly enjoyed seeing all the wonderful pictures of the family as I have not seen most of the family since Erica’s wedding.  Just another treasured memory of a very special lady.

We only get a small glimpse of a person  in the nursing home. It is wonderful to see and read all about Pansy From the brief time I knew her, she was always very generous to all.  She never failed to always ask if I wanted some of her peanut butter   and   Wonder bread and was always wanting to share with other residents.  I and many others will never forget her and her family.

My heart goes out to all family members and friends as they grieve the loss of Pansy. Hopefully we can all celebrate her long and wonderful life.  As I was growing up, I spent a majority of my time in the Camali household.  Pansy was my second mom.  Each time I think of her, I smile and laugh.  In every sense of the word, Pansy was a character.  She was larger than life, and was without a doubt was the most unique mom on our block.  She was unpredictable, funny, warm and caring.  She was always there for me, and I will always be thankful for her love and support.  May she rest in peace with Tony, as they sing "doo-be-doo-be-doo"!
Thanks for the best memories and always for being there for me.
Love from Ricky Ricardo.


Hi this is Mona. Pansy was a fun and loving lady. She will be missed. I  will always keep a space in my heart for her. I know that i will see her again one day in heaven,she will say lets go fishing. Yours truly Mona

To my Great Aunt, Pansy. It is amazing how time passes so fast. It’s been forever since I’ve had to chance to travel from Guam to visit family in Indiana. I know distance and expense is no excuse, but it’s my life’s biggest regret to not visit loved ones before their passing. Please forgive me. 

I think the last time I visited you was when I was a teenager. You were so kind and gentle. I recall that you stuffed me full of candy, since it was around Christmas. It was a joyous and cheerful time. I have great memories of the times that I shared with you. Thank you, I will cherish those memories until it’s my turn at the Pearly Gates. 

My sincerest apologies that I will not be able to attend services. You and our family have my sincerest condolences and will be in my prayers. All is not lost, because you will be in a better place. Tell God that I said hello and I have not given up. Lots of love! 

Shane

Well well what can I say that you all haven’t said . Its surreal .. it’s like here we have a fire cracker of a lady , who loved  her family, children and grand children so much . The one story that my family is know by with pansy involved in centers around Derek and James going to baseball camp. We lived in the city and Derek was going to go to this baseball day camp up by we’re cousin James lived . Well who do you think was there when Nada and Eugene went to work , correct.. Pansy .. Day one ; Phone rings , “hi , Michelle,  it’s Nada , the camp called and said Derek wasn’t feeling good , it’s hot it’s ok Pansey is there  she will stay with him . I speak to Derek later on in the day he seems fine , perfect as a mater of fact . (🤔) 
Day Two .. phone rings again .. “ hi Michelle  , Nada , Derek isn’t well again he seems mabey to have heat stroke .. ok ok no don’t worry Pansy is here .. 
are you all catching on yet .. Day theee and four and the same script lol . 
Seems like Derek and Pansy have a few a card game going on at home and young Derek would rather chill there in the air conditioning , with candyo and fried chicken than  in the heat at camp ..Actually playing baseball . 
Pansy brought light, smiles and happinesS  to everyone young and old and she trueLy   will be missed . May she find enough people in heaven to Play cards with ! Pansy we will remember you forever . 
Kevin, Michelle and kids ...... be at peace and happy. 

It was a privilege to take care of this wonderful woman.  Pansy was a very strong advocate for other residents.  She always loved to buy chocolate and give them to her friends.  We all miss her dearly.

While going through memories I found this photo of a card the kids made Great Grandma last year. It was so funny to me that they made this on their own without any input from me, it shows me how much they loved and listed to her. We miss you everyday. 

The inside said “ Happy Birthday Great Grandma, we love you, you will always be all Aces!”

Love Beth,Matt,Luke, Maddox and Gina

This was last Christmas. We had the honor of having Pansy with us and Sue's brother and my mom. She had a great time as did we.

Dear Pansy, you are gone but not forgotten. Definitely you are unique and will always be with us. There are so many stories. Sue and I were so glad we got close to you here in Florida. I know you are resting now. I know my mom, Liza, will miss you terribly. You were great friends, besides being family. Here are some pics

Gene calls me and says his mom needs a favor. No problem! How can I help Pansy? He says she needs some medication to be injected, something I do everyday. I'll be up the block in fifteen minutes.  

She wants the injection in the gluteus maximus. Pressure's turned up. After all, this is my friend's mother, and, did I mention I'm a dentist?

"Mom's in the apartment."

I knock on the door and Pansy says, "I am ready, come on in." 

Both neglected to tell me she was leaning over the bed with her pants down and a syringe laying next to her!

I am a professional, deep breath, took care of it. She stood up, looked me in the eye, thanked me, and walked out into the kitchen to enjoy some family time. The end.

She loved her family. We remember her playing cards with everyone and making an absurd amount of chicken cutlets for everyone. And I mean LOTS. Enjoy all the fond memories.

Love you all.
Larry, Joanne, Jake, Emma, and Isabel

The sweetness of your smile, the tenderness of your eyes, that knows how to convey joy even just eating polenta and fish in company, Will remain forever in our hearts. Patrizia Paolo Chiara.

Part Two: 

  My bother, Eugene, tried to keep her in assisted living for as long as possible. He hired private aides to take care of her. Mom would be up by 4am each day. She would shower herself, dress herself, make her bed, prepare and have breakfast, wash the dishes and vacuum the rugs. All that before the aide arrived at 7am! She then proceeded to fire one aide after the other because they were "too lazy and were wasting her son's hard earned money.”  She didn't realize that there were no chores left for them to do!

  No disease or medical issue ended our Mother's life.  She could not live without being able to do something for herself. She certainly could not, nor would not, live without having her family around her. She knew it was time to begin her new life.

  Mom would now have Dad, her beloved Father and Mother, her brothers Tom and Jim, brothers-in-law Ralph, George and Norman, her sister Ge Ge, sisters-in-law Liz, Pat and Mary Lou, her nephews Larry and Evan, her niece Debbie, and her close childhood friend, Glenna Lungford, with her.

  Mom has left us with our hearts bursting with her love.

  Our sincere thanks and gratitude to the exceptional staff at Palm Gardens Health and Rehabilitation Center with a special thank you to Wanda (a.k.a. Mona), Regina, Karen and Ryan. They all helped make a home for our Mother during her final years with us.

  Thank you Eugene. Thank you for taking care of Mom and Dad when I couldn't be there.

  And, finally, thank you Mom. Thank you for everything that you gave me. You lived your life adhering to the prayer that you taught us when we were kids. "Do your duty, say your prayers and leave the rest to God.”

  Until we are together again, "I love you higher than the sky and deeper than the ocean.”

  Kiss Dad for me.
  Love & Kisses, XOXO
                                      Rebecca (Bobecca)

Part One:

  Reading through the written memories of our family and friends these past few days has been an overwhelming experience. Yes, Pansy Louise Beck Camali was truly a unique person.

  My first recollection of my Mother begins in Indiana. I am standing at the top of a dimly lit staircase with someone holding my hand. As the front door opens, my Mother is there holding something in her hands.  It is my baby brother, Eugene.

  Mom was her own person. She was generous, loving, kind, clever, witty, mischievous and stubborn. Did I just mention stubborn?? The only person that I knew who could make Mom change her mind was my brother, Eugene, and even he didn't succeed that often.

  Mom was a workaholic, a thoughtful friend, a caring sister, a loyal Mets and Rays fan, a good poker player, a great cook, a great fisherman and the best darn Grandma and Great Grandma a kid could ever have!

  Sharon, Mom's Physician Assistant, was right. Mom had no strangers in her life. There were only three categories for Pansy. Family, friends or foe and if you found yourself a foe, you would soon wish you were a stranger.

  Mom's whole life was her family. She remembered everyone's birthday with a card that had some cash enclosed. She was Santa Claus at Christmas time and all throughout the year.

  Mom was fiercely protective of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She had an all consuming love for all of us.

  Pansy could never lie. You always knew exactly what she thought and felt even though, sometimes, it could be painful!

  Pansy Louise Beck Camali was afraid of no one. Her only fear in life was losing her independence.

Mom was always one to grab a paint brush to fix things up. This is her touching up our door and staining our deck before our son’s engagement celebration. She truly had unlimited energy!

Me feeding Robert & Great Grandma feeding me!

Mom fishing one last time this spring with Bob.  And yes, of course she caught a few! 

Bob, Mom, and her favorite neighbor and dear friend, Sammie 

The Captain & First Mate prepping to fish 

The fond memories of Pansy as seen through the eyes of a wonderful family have allowed me to know a woman full of love, Kindness, compassion, adventure and spirit. 
Pansy was the common thread to the wonderful family she loved and spoke of often.  She knew all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, spouses and was proud of everyone of you.  
Being able to read the stories & memories have allowed me to see Pansy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend. She touched so many and positively impacted all who knew her. 

I have been the Physician Assistant caring for her over the last 3 years - being blessed to know her, her family and amazed at all she went through.  
In my 30 years of practice, I have never met a stronger more determined woman.  Any one of the issues I witnessed her rally through would have literally caused many to give up. Not so with Pansy.  
I can only say what an inspiration to all who have known her in any capacity.  She knew no strangers. 
One of my favorite memories what the spring fishing trip she had locally and caught several fish. I loved the picture of her on the dock, fishing rod in hand with her son in law & daughter. I was actually shocked when I went to her room to see her when WANDA, aka RAMONA (her CNA) told me she was out fishing.  It did not dawn on me that this "frail' 90 year old lady was out fishing.  After reading all the stories now it does not surprise me.
There will never be another like her. 


Pansy’s birthday with Giovanni, Rachele, Giulia

Pansy vs Technology
Winner: Pansy (surprisingly)

I never knew my grandmother to be a master of technology. God forbid she touched the TV remote the wrong way and the remote couldn’t quickly flip between the news and baseball.

One time she tried to order McDonald's drive-thru by shouting at the newspaper box instead of the speaker box. 

There was the time she thought ATMs and bank cards in Jersey were different from Florida because her card didn’t fit in the slot. She failed to realize that she was trying to shove her card in the long, thin, green indicator right above the actual card slot. 

I spent years watching her fiddle with hearing aids for her “selective hearing” like they were alien technology. I swear my brother, Geno, changed the batteries for them every time he was in Florida. 

She somehow learned to text and I’ve screenshot every random emoji she accidentally added on to each text. 

The image will be burned in my memory of video chatting with her and the phone’s camera hovering about two inches from her nostril. 

As a reader, you’re probably thinking that the title is in jest and sarcastic. Well, think again. Like every fight, Pansy won this one, even after she passed.

I have a voicemail that I received from her a few years ago that I never deleted just to keep. It was the last voicemail I ever received from her. I let this call go to voicemail because she had butt dialed me a few minutes before. The whole voicemail is another butt dial. Most of it is inaudible. She doesn’t say much except a couple of things to a passing nurse. I think the nurse asked if she wanted more coffee or something. 

Apple has a feature that transcribes the voicemail to text so you can read it before you listen. Fortunately for me, Grandma came back to conquer technology and leave me one last message. When I clicked to play it the other day, just to hear her voice again, this is what read as the transcribed text:

As difficult as it has been to know that Grandma will no longer with us, the thoughts of all her memories will always live on. There is not a person who she has met that does not have a story about her. Thinking back on my childhood, she brought so much life to everything we did. It was so wonderful to be around as she entertained anything we would think of. To summarize her or the memories she has given us is impossible because she isn’t someone you can explain but must witness. 
It wouldn’t matter when it was, she would always be ready to go and full of energy. We would spend hours driving to Florida and all she needed was a quick stop off at the “Old Waffle House”. If ever I wanted to go to Stop & Play or Celebration Station, she was always as excited as I was. 
She taught me about looking into the quality of something rather than glancing it over. Going to countless flea markets & garage sales, she would explain about what makes something special. She also taught me the value of negotiating for something you want. We would always find that Bargain too. From the milk shake blender to electronics that I learned with it was always a fun adventure.
As incredibly sweet and loving as she was to us, she was no pushover. As the self-proclaimed “Violent Little Old Lady” she was always there to stand up for me and others. It was amazing to see how she could see though any hint of charade. I was always blessed to have her on my side.
Although, I didn’t get to say goodbye she still made sure I got my closure. The day before she passed, something told me to go to McDonald’s like we use when I was younger and order a #2 w/ vanilla milkshake as we always did. I don’t eat there but something again told me I should because it will remind me of my childhood with her. I gave in, pulling up to the drive though I remembered all the funny moments we had there like when she tried to order into the newspaper stand or would say small fry..
You may be gone but you will never be forgotten

As difficult as it has been to know that Grandma will no longer with us, the thoughts of all her memories will always live on. There is not a person who she has met that does not have a story about her. Thinking back on my childhood, she brought so much life to everything we did. It was so wonderful to be around as she entertained anything we would think of. To summarize her or the memories she has given us is impossible because she isn’t someone you can explain but must witness.
It wouldn’t matter when it was, she would always be ready to go and full of energy. We would spend hours driving to Florida and all she needed was a quick stop off at the “Old Waffle House”. If ever I wanted to go to Stop & Play or Celebration Station, she was always as excited as I was. 
She taught me about looking into the quality of something rather than glancing it over. Going to countless flea markets & garage sales, she would explain about what makes something special. She also taught me the value of negotiating for something you want. We would always find that Bargain too. From the milk shake blender to electronics that I learned with it was always a fun adventure.
As incredibly sweet and loving as she was to us, she was no pushover. As the self-proclaimed “Violent Little Old Lady” she was always there to stand up for me and others. It was amazing to see how she could see though any hint of charade. I was always blessed to have her on my side.
Although, I didn’t get to say goodbye she still made sure I got my closure. The day before she passed, something told me to go to McDonald’s like we use when I was younger and order a #2 w/ vanilla milkshake as we always did. I don’t eat there but something again told me I should because it will remind me of my childhood with her. I gave in, pulling up to the drive though I remembered all the funny moments we had there like when she tried to order into the newspaper stand or would say small fry.. 
You may be gone but you will never be forgotten

So very sad to hear of Pansy's passing; the storied matriarch of the Camali family. Her presence will be felt for years to come in every family gathering through the stories that will be told and retold. I greatly admired and loved that indomitable spirit. She truly made me instantly feel like family. 
My fondest memory is just being with her and listening to her running commentary and ruminations on the world, a combination of practicality, mischief, and '-wait, what?'. I especially remember spending a sunny Florida afternoon in her condo getting lost in an endless card game while in between her deftly played hands she shared her musings of life. 
She was grandma to many- will always miss her.

Part 2:
For as long as I could remember, my grandmother called me the wrong name when I’d see her. She’d cycle through her rolodex of male family names - Eugene, Noog, Little Noog, Chris, Geno, Christian, Robert, Bob, Tony, Tom, Ira, Pat - and sometimes female - Rebecca, Erica, Becky, Leenie, Christina, Danielle, Beth, Goldie, Jean, Virgina, Gretchen - until she finally got to mine and say, “Oh, little Jimmy, you know Grandmoar don’t remember names good.” I never cared because, as far as I knew, that was the truth.  

However, the last time I visited her this past November I walked into her room at Palm Gardens, she looked me dead in the eyes and, with that big Pansy-smile, shouted, “Oh, James! Have a seat!” I was caught off guard. “She finally got it right. What’s happening?” I thought. The moment hung in the air briefly until I smiled and she smiled back, maybe realizing that it might be the last chance I had to be with her alive. I nodded, delicately kissed her forehead, refused the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups she used to bribe her nurses, took a seat, held her hand and accepted any bit of love she had to give me that day. 

Past this post, I look forward to spending the rest of my life sifting through recent memories to find those deep cuts. The milkshake-mixing, chicken-cutlet-cooking, McDonald’s-ball-pit-playing, Celebration-Station-visiting, dinner-roll-feeding, “Silver”-driving, boxes-of-oranges-shipping, double-Grandma-Grandpa-hug-receiving, grandparent-fishing-day-having, life-advice-giving memories. And I’ll cherish them until we have new ones. 

Rest easy for now, Grandma, and tell Grandpa hello. Also, throw me a couple of fish next time I’m on the water. I can’t bear another fishing trip with Dad catching all the damn fish. I love you as high as the sky and as deep as the ocean.

One of my favorite memories of Aunt Pansy is when Evan and I were throwing snowballs at cars and she was staying with us in Kokomo. We were about 12 or 13 and the guy who's car we hit ran us down and pulled a gun on us. He took us back to my house and made the mistake of having a hold of us when Aunt Pansy answered the door! Well I'll never forget her first words "get your ____ing hands off them !" He did and before he made it off the porch he got some more of her thoughts.
She always was on my side and did anything for me she could without exception. 
I WILL enjoy her presence again.

My love always, 
Joe

I read all the posts from the family and friends, and have to say that my dear Aunt Pansy was obviously the same to us all. She loved, supported, encouraged and nurtured us all. She was hilarious, strong, and the most giving person I've ever met. There is a very special place for people like her.

But, for me, she was even more. Growing up in Indiana in the 60s and 70s, and never really feeling like I fit in, she gave me strength (as did all the Beck sisters) and encouraged me  to be "ME", and not allow anyone to tell me I wasn't worthy.

She let me be myself, no matter how others felt, and also encouraged me to be more. She gave me the strength to grow up, find someone I wanted to spend my life with, and find real happiness even though so many didn't understand. She always love "Craig" as much as me. That meant so much to me.
 
Pansy, saying I'll miss you is such an understatement. Words cannot express the hole in my heart. But, I'm not sad, I'm more crying tears of joy knowing that I was lucking enough to  have you  in my life for nearly 65 years.

I love you, and hope you're with all those you have lost and loved.

Thomas

Pansy, I love you and miss you.

Your sister, Jean and deceased husband George (James Dean...LOL)

Part 3:

I could go on for days with Grandma stories, so I'll wrap it up here.  There's really no way for me to adequately express my gratitude for having Pansy Camali as my Grandmother.  She was truly a character- to say the least- who adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Earlier this spring she had my parents deliver me a stash of nursing home loot- treats she purchased for me from the employee lounge. Even at the end of her life she kept taking care of me. I now have a large supply of comfort food to snack on while mourning her loss. 

Whenever I garden, see a butterfly, paint, cook chicken cutlets, watch baseball, play tennis, pass a garage sale, go to the beach, see people fishing, notice a car with front end damage, screw up the pronunciation of a word, tell an inappropriate joke, or eat a Klondike, I’ll think of Grandma.  I will greatly miss her laughter, her smirk, the rolling of her eyes, and her mischievous smile.  And all the times she called me “Joani,” after the Happy Days character. 

As I said when Grandpa passed away, heaven just got a whole lot louder.  I love you as high as the sky and as deep as the ocean, Grandma. - "Joani"

I love you as high as the sky and as deep as the ocean.

Playing rummy with Grandma. She beat me yet again. Once a shark, always a shark! 

I am very thankful to have had Pansy in my life. She made me feel like one the grand kids and I felt she was a grandma to me. Spending summers in Florida will be memories I will never forgot; including the fact she was the first to take me and Eugene to universal studios - and this was in the 90’s when universal was at its best.
Even the car ride was a fun, her honesty about people and being so blunt was a unique characteristic I loved- good or bad - she called it out. We would tell Family stories for hours and she talk about her family and friends in the “boondocks” but was never sure who she was talking about - just got a kick out of her accent she did. 
Going to clear water beach as she points out “bearss” Ave To get a LOL was a daily routine.  She would tell me while swimming that if the water became warm near her to swim away.  And how can I forget Hooters - she would take Eugene and I there upon request...I think that was the last time I was at a Hooters.  Thank you Pansy for making me feel a home and always thinking of me- I will always remember you! 

Spring Break 1995: Grandma and I at the driving range, taking a break from attempting to hit golf balls.

The “First Mate” and the “Captain,” having another coffee together this spring. 

Part 2:

When my cousins and I wanted to build ourselves a small fort in her backyard in Florida- Grandma ordered us lumber from Home Depot.  Our creation violated their homeowner's association rules and increased the taxes on their house, much to Grandpa's dismay.  Grandma, however, did not care, her grandkids were happy.

Grandma was a hustler- she waited tables at the NY Met's Diamond Club, where she got as many autographs for her grandkids as possible.  She found a wholesaler to purchase clothing from and sold it at Roosevelt Island flea markets. She'd give me some of her favorite finds.  She continued this tradition when she moved from Port Richey to Madeira Beach.  My cousin Danielle and I assisted her with her garage sale, only to learn that the sun glasses she was selling for $2 were just purchased at the dollar store- for $1.  If anyone thought she could be duped, they were sadly mistaken.  

Grandma was always there if I called her and needed advice.  She was always there to hug me growing up, and she was my fiercest defender too.  There was hell to pay if anyone messed with me, including the woman across the street who everyone referred to as the "One Arm Bandit," as rumor had it (that my grandparents helped spread), her arm was "blown off in a gun fight."  

When I was moving into my first place on my own, Grandma had already started buying me things for my house- kitchen supplies, a trash can, among other items.  She signed up for a monthly subscription to begin collecting recipes for me.  Later she'd drive up from Florida in "Silver," her beloved car, to help me garden and give me her sewing machine so we could make curtains together.  When I bought my first house and showed her a photo of it- she assumed the garage was the part of the house I bought, to which I had to explain I purchased "the whole house."  To those of you who knew her, you know she lacked a filter.  One of her most endearing, and also one of her most troublesome, qualities.
...

I have such very fond memories of Pat (Pansy), living next door to her at Kapok Grand for 13 years was a fun time.  She definitely was a free spirit with a heart of gold.  She would tease me about not being a cook & would call me to open the door that she was coming over with dinner.  Every morning she would have been up and out in the car,  having already done a days work when I would be just stepping out to  pick up my newspaper, she had unbelievable energy.  She did love watching baseball, playing solitaire on the lanai every afternoon & most of all she loved her family.  Pat was so very proud of you all, you are blest to have had such a great Mom.

Part 1:

What do I say about the legend and force of nature who is my Grandmother?  How do I sum up my life with her- our experiences, the laughter, the memories, the craziness- in 2,000 words?  The truth is I can't put into words the impact she has had on my life.  

She and my Grandfather, Tony, lived across the hall from my family and I, and they helped raise my brother, Chris, and I.  For years my Grandmother would come across the hall to get me out of bed for school in the mornings.  I'd go to their apartment where she'd then force my Grandfather out of his favorite brown reclining chair, so I could sit in it and watch cartoons before school.  They'd make me waffles, sliced peaches, and she'd let me drink her favorite instant coffee if I wanted it- as long as I promised not to tell my Mother.  Grandpa would then walk me down the block to school, and when I returned home later in the day, their care for me would continue- which included watching General Hospital with Grandma, something else I agreed to not tell Mom about. 

When I desperately wanted a dog, and my parents rightfully avoided adopting a dog because we lived in an apartment in NYC, Grandma traveled to Indiana and brought Chris and I home a dog from my Aunt Goldie's litter- a Siberian Husky named Pasha.  She knew my parents would never give away Aunt Goldie's dog. Grandma was right, and Chris and I were likely the only kids living in NYC with a gorgeous Siberin Husky that we loved dearly.

There were too many road trips with Grandma to count- trips to Jones Beach, fishing at Captree, Upstate to our house on the Delaware, trips to Flushing and Long Island to visit my dear cousins.  Some of those trips including missing our exit, and putting her giant green station wagon into reverse in the right lane.  There was also a lot of cigarette smoke and no seat belts.  Somehow we all lived to tell the tale.

...

Dear Mom
Growing up as your son was like living at an amusement park, Pansy’s Park, the park that never closed (your endless energy).  Each day you put a ticket in my hand. The rides (memories)were endless.  From the Fun House to the Roller Coaster, you had me experience them all.  It gave me all the confidence I would ever need. 
 There was always something special about going to Pansy’s Park. The price of admission was simply a hug and a kiss, and you never left the park hungry.  I know Mom that your favorite ride was the Tunnel of Love because that was what you gave to everyone who entered, your love.  When I was there, I could see in your eyes that you were the happiest when Rebecca and I invited our children to your park.  Then when they invited their children. That was when your eyes really sparkled, the candy was flowing, the culets were frying, and the park was in full swing.
Of all the tickets you gave me, the ride I enjoyed the most was the ride of life with you and Dad.  I have kept all my tickets over the years in my heart where they will remain forever.
Sadly, after 90 years, Pansy’s Park closed. It will always be my favorite park.
Thanks for all the rides Mom, say hello to Dad.
Love you forever
Eugene


There are too many stories to tell here but Pansy was one of the most entertaining people I have ever met, let alone become so close to.  To me she was a Mother-in- law, a friend, a confidant, a guide on what to do (and what not to do), and someone who was always there for me. 
Playing cards with Pansy was always an experience, you never knew how it would end up.  If you were winning, she would call you a cheater, or say you were changing the rules.  If you were losing, she would help you not to lose as badly as you should.  If you were a kid and winning, she would say you were the smartest kid in the world.
Leaving your children with her was also an adventure.  Whatever you asked her not to let them do, she had them do it.  When you found out, you just laughed because it was Pansy. The kids loved her and that was when she was the happiest.  She loved every child that entered her life whether it was for a lifetime or a moment.  I would ask the kids not to mention that they liked something.  If they accidently said something, there were five (at least) of that item the next day waiting for them and she did not care if she spent her last dime to get it. She wanted everyone to be happy.
We have had a lifetime of laughs with Pansy and her stories will live on.  She was fun, full of life, and a survivor.    We are grateful for the time we had with you and know that life will never be the same without you.   Love you forever. 
Nada


I have endless stories about my grandma Pansy, from how she always adored me to her outrageous ways. I prefer to reflect on who she was, the lasting impact she will have on my life, and how she was pivotal influence on my outlook on such. Last night I had made a promise to myself that in her spirit I would wake up early, get dressed up (which has become rare in these times), go to the office in lieu of working from home, and not dwell on knowing I’ll never see her again. I got out of the shower this morning and started sobbing. I thought about what my intention for the day was and did not think I could pull it off. After a couple minutes I thought what if she can see me now, she would be disappointed and upset that I was hurting over her. I could not let a day go to waste because sometimes it is easier to lean on your excuses and weakness than to realize the strength you have. Thought not only am I better than this, I am stronger than this, it is in my blood.  We all have four lineages; I have acquired so many good attributes from them all but the strength to get the job done I attribute to her. She was relentless, her work ethic and her devotion to me was second to none. She taught me anything was possible with hard work, empathy, and sometimes a little bit of slickness. Before she got ill and I was in my late 20’s / early 30’s I could sit around and talk to her like I would talk to a friend, not an elderly woman. She had done so much living and always had a hunger for more. From her childhood stories, a girl wanting to experience more than where she was from. In the next chapter of her life moving to Astoria she always managed to keep those values from her childhood yet adapt and thrive in New York and experience so much there. Never had a prejudice towards people, we were all the same in her eyes. Well, up until she decided whether she loved or hated you. But those that she loved she held in high respect and would do anything for.

Shriners Hospital for Children

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Predeceased by Parents;Warner and Rheba Beck


Survived by: Two Sisters; Jean Dawson and Goldie Allamon
Two children and their spouses; Rebecca &amp; Robert Haray and Eugene &amp; Nada Camali
Seven grandchildren and their spouses; Christian &amp; Kathryn Haray, Erica Haray-Butcher &amp; Eric Butcher, Elizabeth &amp; Matthew Meladossi, Danielle &amp; Robert Trainor, Christina Camali, Eugene &amp; Allison Camali and James Camali
Seven great-grandchildren; Robert Haray, Gretchen Haray, Luke Meladossi, Maddox Meladosi, Gina Meladossi, Samantha Trainor and Frances Trainor.

OBITUARY

Pansy Louise Camali

August 18, 1929 – May 2, 2020

Serenity Funeral Home & Serenity Gardens Memorial Park

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