OBITUARY
Mary Rose Altomare
July 24, 1924 – July 2, 2010
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REMEMBERING
Mary Rose Altomare
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RECEIVE UPDATESAndrew Thompson
January 26, 2015
As time moves on, the great memories start reminiscing about how wonderful she was as my grandmother. Every day that goes by, I do not think of her any less. I live my life in honor of her. She is the closest person I will ever be to. This is just a reminder of how much you are still in my life. I miss you grandma.
Ginger Taylor
May 16, 2012
We've been thinking about you. Still missing you. OXOXOXOX, P.J.,Ginger, Pat, and Alex
Ginger Taylor
July 25, 2011
Dear Angie and Joan,
I'm so glad you are keeping the memory guest book online. I enjoy reading the many fond memories.
"Happy Birthday" Mary. We love you and miss you too much.
XOXO Ginger, P.J., Pat, and Alex
January 25, 2011
It saddened me to receive the news of passing of Mary Rose. I knew this kind and caring lady from the time that I helped her to sell her house in West Hills and move to a retire home. All through the years, she sent me the New Year'sgreeting cards and included a picture of her lovely self and her grandson/s. I am sure she is being missed by her family, but also am sure she is watching out for all of you. With much love and respect, Parvin Benoun
Andrew Thompson
September 1, 2010
Dear Grandma,
You were the best grandma anyone could ever have. You were always there for me. Even though you are gone, my memories about you are still and will always be with me. I will always miss you and will never forget you.
Love,
Andrew
Lucille Correll
August 6, 2010
DEAR GODMOTHER.
TO MUCH TO PUT INTO WORKS SO I HAVE CHOSEN TO SHARE A POEM MY PRECIOUS SARAH HAD SENT TO ME, WHEN MY MOTHER PASSED.
~ I THOUGHT ~
I THOUGHT I SAW YOUR FACE TODAY,
IN THE SPARKLE OF THE MORNING SUN.
AND THEN I HEARD THE ANGEL SAY,
"THEIR WORK ON EARTH IS DONE."
I THOUGHT I HEARD YOUR VOISE TODAY,
THEN LAUGH YOUR HEARTY LAUGH.
AND THEN I HEARD THE ANGEL SAY,
"THERE'S PEACE DEAR ONE AT LAST."
I THOUGHT I FELT YOUR TOUCH TODAY,
IN THE BREEZE THAT RUSTLED BY,
AND THEN I HEARD THE ANGEL SAY,
"THE SPIRIT NEVER DIES."
I THOUGHT I SAW MY BROKEN HEART,
IN TH CRESCENT OF THE MOON.
AND THEN I HEARD THE ANGEL SAY,
"THE LORD IS COMING SOON."
I THOUGHT THAT YOU HAD LEFT ME,
FOR THE STARS SO FAR ABOVE.
AND THEN I HEARD THE ANGEL SAY,
"THEY LEFT YOU WITH THEIR LOVE."
I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD MISS YOU SO,
AND NEVER FIND MY WAY.
AND THEN I HEARD THE ANGEL SAY,
"THEY'VE WITH YOU EVERY DAY."
"THE SUN, THE WIND, THE MOON, THE STARS, WILL FOREVER BE AROUND, REMINDING YOU OF THE LOVE YOU SHARED AND THE PEACE THEY'VE FINALLY FOUND."
A SECOUND MOTHER, A FRIEND, A MENTOR..SO MUCH LOVE. NOW I MUST SHARE YOU WITH GOD, THERE'S COMFORT IN KNOWING ANOTHER ANGEL IN HEAVER. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART FOREVER @ EVER, YOUR NEICE LUCILLE.
~
LUCILLE CORRELL,
MACUNGIE, Pennsylvania
LARRY CORRELL
July 31, 2010
HI AUNT ROSE,
I ENJOYED THE TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER WHEN LUCILLE & I STAYED WITH YOU BEFORE WE LEFT FOR NORTH CAROLINIA.
I WOULD COME HOME FROM WORK, AUNT ROSE AND LUCILLE WOULD BE SITTING IN THE FRONT ROOM TALKING. I WOULD ASK AUNT ROSE, [IS THERE ANY LASAGNE LEFT?]
I ENJOYED ALL THOSE TIMES YOU HAD GET TOGETHERS AT YOUR HOUSE. MY EYES WOULD LIGHT UP WHEN LUCILLE WOULD SAY, " WERE GOING TO AUNT ROSIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS."
I WILL MISS OUR CONVERSATIONS IN PERSON AND ON THE PHONE WITH YOUR COMMON SENSE WISDOM ON MANY DIFFERENT SUBJECTS.
YOUR MEMORY WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART..........
BY AUNT ROSE
LOVE,
~LARRY
Ginger Taylor
July 27, 2010
Ginger Taylor
July 27, 2010
Ginger Taylor
July 27, 2010
Ginger Taylor
July 27, 2010
Ginger Taylor
July 27, 2010
Ginger Taylor
July 27, 2010
Ginger Taylor
July 26, 2010
Dearest Altomare family,
Andy has been watching our “Mary” raise, nurture, inspire, and support their 2 daughters for the last 32 years with much pride and joy. (I bet he didn’t realize just how strong she could be). What a pillar of strength and support she has been not only to her family but also to the many that knew her. She has been a most loving and positive influence on my family and me for many years. We have been the Altomare’s neighbors since 1969. I moved out in 1977 when I got married. I moved back when my mother passed away in 1992. I remember when she told me Joan was pregnant. She was so excited. Then when she told me Joan and Paul said, “If it’s a boy we want to name him “Andrew”. He was born in August of 1994. She was bursting with so much joy she couldn’t contain herself.
Later, I enrolled in a painting class and I made a cutout board painting of “Barney” for Andrew’s 4th birthday, it was as big as him. He was so cute. Sometimes I would be running late doing errands so my son P.J. would go over to Mary’s after school and that’s when they would have their "special talks". She said, “You can call me Grandma Mary”. That made him very happy to have a Grandma again. We would go out shopping and go out to dinner almost on a weekly base. Trying on clothes and bouncing around on furniture (love that Monkeywards) really would work up an appetite. The Acapulco restaurant was her favorite. She really liked the frijitas. Then Mary moved from West Hills to Santa Clarita. We would keep in touch by cards and telephone. At the end of our (2-3 hour long) conversation she would ask me, “Have you found a new friend to take my place?” “No, I would answer, you are still my dearest friend.” “Have you found a new friend to take my place, I would ask?” “No, she would say, you are still my special friend.”
We will miss you dearly and remember you always with love, as; neighbor, confidant, Grandma Mary, and dearest friend.
All our love to: family and friends of, “Mary Rose”
(Missing you even more than before, xoxo)
Olympio D'Mello
July 17, 2010
Mary was a special woman. She was my mother-in-law and had two lovely daughters, one of whom is my fantastic wife. But more than that, she was unusual in many ways. For as long as I knew her she was never healthy. But that did not deter her from enjoying family gatherings, hobnobbing with her friends, and wanting to be where the action was. She not only influenced our family, but reached out to many. There were those who came to her for advice, for support, and for consolation. She inspired many around her, especially us – her family. She will always be remembered for the love she shared.
Mary Dean
July 15, 2010
I loved looking at the pictures of Aunt Rosie and her sweet face. She was like a second mom to Deborah and I, spending so many weekends with her growing up and opening up her home to us when we spent the summer in California.
She was a gentle soul who had a calming affect on everyone. Miss you and love you Aunt Rosie. I will always cherish the memories of you growing up. Love, Mary
Michelle B
July 14, 2010
Mary, I remember all of the parties I was invited to, where I was just part of the family. I will never forget that -- you were my second mom. Do you remember the time I cut your hair? I was so nervous, and you were so gracious. I will always love you and remember you forever. All of my love, Michelle B
July 13, 2010
Dear Rose, As your favorate brother in law, I thank the lord you came into my life thru Cathy. From the 1st time I met you I felt love from you even though you had never met me before. Rose you were a tower of strength in your whole family with out bragging about it. You always asked me how I was and always somehow knew the truth without me telling. I loved you and always will.You are a welcome member to Andy, Vinny ,Frances, Our Eddie, your Mom and the whole Family. Enjoy your new family. Love Ed Dean
Angela D'Mello
July 13, 2010
Known as Mary to her friends, Rose or Rosie to her family, my mother, Mary Rose Luppino Altomare was known as a blessing to all. She was born on July 7, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey. As the eldest child of Italian immigrants, Mom’s first language was Italian and her first job was to help raise her younger siblings. She had 4 brothers (one of whom died when Mom was only two) and 2 sisters.
Being the oldest child came with responsibilities (and advantages, of course). She was the one who her mother turned to when a helping hand was needed around the house. Mom was the one her brothers and sisters counted on to attend parent/teacher conferences, sign report cards, and cover for them when they did something that was perhaps “objectionable” to grandma. I was recently told that Mom also protected her younger brothers from the bullies down the street. (And, I had always thought my uncles were so macho!) Whenever, wherever, and however there was a need, Mom was there to nurture, to resolve, and to support.
Mom was a humble woman, never truly recognizing her own talents, strengths, and accomplishments. At age sixteen, she accepted a position in the sewing industry in New York and by age 18 became an accomplished seamstress. She sewed elaborate dresses for her sister Frances and said that she loved to dress up her youngest sister, Cathy, to look like her little doll.
Mom met my father, Angelo Altomare, when she was in her twenties. He was the love of her life and they married on May 15, 1955. They didn’t believe in public displays of affection, (commonly known as pda’s) but you saw the love they had for one another in their eyes, in their words, and in the way they treated one another.
Mom loved children and both she and dad were excited about starting a family. They had me two years after they were married and had my sister one year later. Dad really wanted a boy and I guess mom went along with him because they painted our bedroom blue. In fact, it wasn’t until I was three years old, that they finally gave up and repainted the room light green. Light green! Where was the pink I wanted?
Once my sister Joan and I were born, we were the focus of Mom’s life. She laughed with us, played with us, cried with us, disciplined us, and prayed with us. She was my first teacher and my inspiration. When I began kindergarten, she proudly called me her “school girl”. When I told her I wanted to learn to read, she bought me two books: Teach Me to Read and Charlie Makes Something Grand. She sat on the sofa with me and patiently helped me each time I stumbled over the word something. When I was in second grade I had complications from a tonsillectomy and couldn’t attend CCD. The teacher asked my mom to prepare me for my first communion. She took that responsibility quite seriously and had me memorize the entire catechism by heart. Mom always applauded our successes, heartened us when we failed, and encouraged us to accept challenges head on.
Family and food were Mom’s priorities. (Well we’re Italian, what else would you expect?) She was an outstanding cook (Sorry Oly, the trait is not hereditary) and loved to entertain family. Our fondest memories always included the times when our families (aunts, uncles, and cousins) gathered around our kitchen table for some good old macaroni and meatballs, accompanied by lively discussions and card games. Mom was at the heart of all the gatherings, but she never needed to be in the spotlight.
The move to California was a difficult one for Mom. Moving 3,ooo miles away from her beloved sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews was distressing, to say the least. She wasn’t comfortable taking risks, but the love she had for Dad gave her the strength to uproot her secure life for one that was uncertain. We stayed with her brother Sal and his family for a few months and then made California our home when Mom and Dad purchased a house in Canoga Park.
As my sister and I grew into our teen years, we saw how Mom’s strength of character, her devotion to family, and her desire for her daughters to succeed, took precedence over her own needs. She so missed her family, but never protested or complained. Instead, she found her happiness in service to others. Mom took care of her own mother, who moved across the country with us. They found joy in walking to Gilbert’s 5 & 10 to buy little trinkets for us. She faithfully prepared meals for Dad, cooking his favorite dinners (even when they included lima beans) and having supper on the table by the time he returned home from work. Mom took interest in all that Joan and I did. She welcomed our new friends into our home and always had plenty of extra food ready if we decided to invite someone over for dinner. She walked to our school activities, listened attentively to our problems, gave us sound advice, and always, always encouraged us to try our best and be the best we could be. I still remember her words of wisdom: “Follow your dreams”, she would say, “Take one step at a time to get there. And, if you can’t have your first choice, then be happy with the next best thing”.
As travel became easier, our eastern seaboard family visited us often and we were able to visit them too. The trips consisted of excursions to themes parks, lots of Mom’s great food, and lots of fun and laughter. Mom’s smiles confirmed the joy she felt when reunited with her loved ones. In 1978, when Dad passed away, the family joined us again in the spirit of love and unity.
The years following Dad’s death were a struggle for the three of us. The loss was heart-breaking, but Mom’s determination to overcome was inspiring. Within four months of his death, Mom had taken driving lessons, obtained her license, bought a car, learned how to use a computer, and found a job that allowed my sister and me to continue college. Mom insisted that Joan and I complete our college careers, despite the burden it placed on her. She shared our joys when we got our first jobs, opened her arms to our boyfriends even when she knew they were wrong for us, and celebrated when we found “Mr. Right”.
Mom’s ultimate joy in life came when my sister, Joan, had her son – Andrew. Mom let her hair grow silver, moved into a retirement community for active seniors, and reveled in stories about Andrew.
Mom was an amazing woman! She stood up for what was right, loved with all her heart, and gave so much of herself to so many. She is my hero. Mom, I thank you for the person you were. I thank you for the person you have helped me to become. I love you with all my heart and am honored to say that you, Mary Rose Altomare, were and are my mother.
Jamie Whitman
July 9, 2010
Dear Joan and Paul,
I remember as a child how wonderful and caring your mom was. I hope she is in a better place and not in pain any longer. She will be missed by everyone in the family, but she will always be in your hearts. You were lucky to have her as long as you did here on earth. I know in time you will cherish all the happy memories. Love Jamie
Kathy Thompson
July 8, 2010
Dear Mary: Thank you for being such a wonderful and loving "second mom" to me. You will be greatly missed especially the way you always were there with a sympathetic ear and your quick wit. May you rest in peace. Love,
Mark Thompson
July 8, 2010
Mary, thank you for all the wonderful time we spent at Christmas. You will be missed. You will be remembered in my prayers and thoughts.
Mary Ingato
July 7, 2010
Mary Rose,
Our phone calls were frequent,
Sometimes weekly, often more.
Our chats included family;
Especially grandson you adored.
Our conversations, friendly visits
Stories old and sometimes new.
Our talks were filled with sunshine,
There was humor, laughter too.
You are one of God's handiworks
Where peace and beauty meet
Mary Rose, our phone calls were to me
A calming, joyful, fun retreat.
Though I'll no longer dial your number,
I will still converse it's true.
Through memory and loving thoughts
In prayer I will speak to you.
With loving memories,
Mary Ingato
Susan Stewart
July 6, 2010
Aunt Rose,
You will be greatly missed. I love you and you will be in my prayers and thoughts.
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IN THE CARE OF