Frances Mary Marotta

Marotta, Frances Mary, a 8 year resident of Palos Verdes Estates, passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 in Palos Verdes Estates. Born in Everet, MA, Frances was 92 when she died. Frances was a member of St. John Fisher Church. Frances was an advid golfer, who loved to travel and play golf on her travels. She had two documented holes in one, the last when she was 76 years old. She liked to paint and draw and made many beautiful paintings over the years. Her primary love was her family.

She is survived by her loving Husband, Edmond S. Marotta of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, Daughter, Carol (Harry) Kanter of Newbury Park, CA, and Son, Alfred (Tracy) Marotta of Palos Verdes Estates, CA. Preceded in death by Mother, Fortuna Madaglia, and Father, Frank Madaglia. She had 12 grandchildren, 8 great gandchildren and 1 great great gandchild.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Fisher Church on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. A graveside committal will be held at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills on Monday, January 14, 2008 at 11:00 A.M.

Eulogy for my Mother - Frances Mary Marotta 1915-2008

by her son Fred

We come here to mourn but also to give thanks, to celebrate the person and her life -- both filled with such a rich sense of fun and

joy and the music of laughter.

With it went an immense vitality that did not fail her. Hers was a great old age, but not a cramped one. She remained young at heart, and the young themselves sensed that.

My sister and I were blessed with a wonderful mother. She taught us how to act, she taught us how to play, she taught us how to laugh and have fun. She gave us books that made us want to read, she taught us how to cook and work. She taught us how to be strong and how to be tender. She taught us by the way she lived her life. And she loved us every day of our lives.

We want to thank Dad for all he has done. Mother's health brought changes to their life but one thing never changed. As long as Dad was there, Mom was satisfied. And Dad was always there in spite

of his own failing strength.

He kept her feeling happy and her mind engaged. Mom loved Dad and Dad loved Mom. Dad, we love you and we thank you for taking such good care of her.

Strength, dignity, laughter -- three special qualities. Qualities that defined our Mother’s life so richly. Qualities that with her passing, we too may seek to put on afresh, in our own lives. Let that be part of her legacy, part of our tribute.

Here is a poem I read once which I truly believe defines my mother’s last wishes for us all:

When I am gone,

Release me, let me go

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears;

Be happy we had so many years.

I give you my love,

You can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love

You have shown me;

But now it’s time I travel alone.

So grieve a while for me,

If grieve you must.

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away for life goes on.

If you need me,

Call me and I will be near.

And if you listen with your heart,

You’ll hear

All my love around you,

Soft and clear.

And when you must come this way along,

I’ll greet you with a Smile,

And “Welcome Home”.

While Mom is gone, her love, her strength, her dignity and her laughter remain with us forever.