Emily Badolato.  Emilia Bersani.  Emily.  Mrs. B.  Friend.  Neighbor.  Wife.  Mom.  Grandma.  Nona.  My grandmother had many names.
Who among us cannot immediately summon her smiling face, eyes alight with humor, intelligence, warmth, and grace.  Buttered toast and tea in the morning.  Her gentle voice during a late night discussion around the kitchen table.  Bundled up for a walk on a winter day, a ridiculous fur hat askew on her head.  Beautifully dressed, surrounded by her loving husband and family at their fiftieth anniversary.  Emily, young again in upstate New York, her arms full of apples from an orchard, a few spilled on the ground beneath her.  The weight of her hand, as she would lay it over your own, if you were upset or she had something important to tell you.
How many of us were children on her lap?  Tugging and sucking on her wristwatch in infancy as she cooed softly of mocking birds and jimmy crack corn.  Playing "go fish" or "war" with a deck of cards as we grew older.  Adventuring together to hunt fossils, name constellations, roast chestnuts, or look up birds in her tattered field guide when, having spied one, she would veer dangerously to the side of the road already fishing for her binoculars in the glove compartment?
How many of us ran desperately into her arms as children, hugging her ever so tightly when our parents said it was time for bed.  Saying "no no no," and she would throw her arms around us and say, "I've got you, I've got you, I love you."
The difference between that long ago memory and today is that the moment is no longer in the past - but fully present.  Emily is holding us in her embrace now, as tightly as ever, the extraordinary depth and breadth of her love certain and secure, giving each of us renewed strength and support.  She will continue to do so for the rest of our lives.
My grandmother's greatest gift was to instruct us in the twin meanings of love and happiness, and she continues to do so.  The tragedy of Alzheimer's is that it strip mines the memory.  But in its grip, Emily achieved a state of grace.  She remained firmly convinced in the inherent beauty of the world and of its essential goodness.  She had lost the word for "bird," but upon seeing one would cry out, "look, how beautiful, how beautiful."  Amidst the challenges of this world, in our moments of greatest struggle and despair, I encourage you all to think of Emily - of her essential goodness and optimism, and the immense pleasure and gratitude she took in the simplest, smallest things.  I encourage you to remember her, to accept her continued embrace, and to look at the world through her eyes - she will help you do so, I promise.  Love, by its very nature, is impossible to define and often difficult to recognize in our chaotic, ever-changing world.  Nevertheless, my grandmother, time and again, by simple virtue of the way she lived her life, constantly leads us to love by example.  In the vast good fortune that is every moment we had with her, Emily continues to teach us about love's mysteries, the ephemeral way it moves among us and within us as spirit.  To know Emily was and is to know love - to recognize its character and shape, so that we may discover it anew in one another.  In a wife, a child, a friend, a stranger.  And to know love, to rest surely in its embrace, is to know happiness.  Thank you, Grandma, for the beautiful gift of yourself.  You are treasured.  You are remembered.  You are with us always.  I love you.

Terry and I are deeply saddened by Mrs. “B's” passing.  She was a very special person who touched our lives in many ways.  Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.  
The words of friend and Deacon Joe Peralta memorialized Mrs. “B” with love, faith, friendship and family -- a tribute with rewards far greater than we can comprehend.  Julia's scripture reading was solemn and fitting and Gloria's recital of Psalm 23 from memory, reminded me of the spiritual example Mrs. “B” set for her family.
Catherine's violin solo was amazing and Tom's words of remembrance for his grandmother were beautiful. I smiled when he talked about all the people she touched, chuckled to myself when he spoke about her driving and held back tears when he reminded me of how gentle and caring she was to me.  Tom's words -- echoing throughout the church -- defined a woman who was dearly loved and who meaningfully touched the lives of so many who knew her.   
At the church during the Mass, the strain etched in Mr. B's face was more than just noticeable.  It told a story of incredible loss.  There was sadness in Peter's eyes and a sense of disbelief that surrounded Tom and Mary.  It was a beautiful and unforgettable ceremony.    
Etched in my memory forever is a young Mrs. “B” driving her red Pontiac station wagon while wearing one of her hats, a big purse at her side, her left hand on the wheel and her right hand in the air emphasizing some little known fact or informational tidbit – with flair.  It wasn't what she said that I remember, but how she said it and how deeply she cared about it.  
I will always remember her inviting request to get in the car because she was taking us to the Arboretum, the Bronx, Hicksville, a museum, Montauk Point, New Berlin, Sunken Meadow, Jones Beach, for Italian Ices, or some other place I had never been before.  I walked with her, talked with her, listened to her and even, at times pretended to like rocks and shells when I was with her.  I learned much from her, but most of all I was smitten by her enthusiasm and how she cared about the little things.  She was a powerful influence on my life.  
In his elegant way, Tom acknowledged that his grandmother had many titles.  To me however, she will always only be Mrs. “B” -- the woman who expanded my world by taking me many places; my mother's dear friend; the woman who always cared enough to inquire about how I was doing; my friend's mother; and, the woman who watched me change over 50 years and who always found a way to share support for what I was doing or to just say something nice.  
Never will I forget her smile, her laugh, her gentle ways, her kindness and her passion for life.  But most of all, I will always remember how much she loved and cared about her family and friends.  She knew, better than most, that happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have – a powerful lesson manifested in how she lived her life.  
Some people enter our lives and leave almost instantly.  Others, like Mrs. “B” forge such an impression on our heart and soul that we are changed forever.  She will be missed!

I always called her Emily. For some reason I never went with Mrs. B or similar.
My first time spent with her was in '76 when she came to my apartment in Queens to have a frozen yogurt with toppings party at my apartment with Linda,Gloria and Mary. I couldn't tell her from "one of the girls". That just blew me away.
My memories are of how freely she gave of herself to the kids when they were young, and how she always catered to me when I came home from work.She was never in the way.
She was a great walking partner, and together we walked from field 5 at Robert Moses to Fire Island. She didn't miss a beat! She was the one I could drag out at night to go star gazing.
I only wish I could have told her more times how special of a mother in law she was. I'll miss her. Emily, I Love You!

I remember visiting Aunt Em and Sal with my mom, Diane Kooij, and Aunt Edna (Messina).  I remember the wonderful food and sense of family and love.  My prayers and love go to all the Badolatos!

The Badolatos have been such an important part of our lives. Peter and Patti welcomed us into their home and shared their family with us -- and that always included Mrs. B -- I don't think I ever saw her when she wasn't smiling. My favorite memory is sitting on her front lawn on Fourth of July watching the fireworks. Somehow they always looked more colorful and more beautiful over their house.  Much love to all the Badolatos from Ellen, Frank and Jessica, in deep friendship.

Long before we met Emily later in her life we knew her through her beloved brother Al's memories: Emily climbing a 20 foot fence, doing a Shirley Temple tap dance on her mother's bureau, getting her siblings to save up and pool pennies for one pair of roller skates to be shared by all, sitting on her little brother when he caused trouble, blowing her first salary in Coney Island with her siblings, wearing glasses she did not need to look more scholarly, reading voraciously and always arguing fiercely on every subject, registered Al's first car in her name so he could start to drive at age 16 without a license. To Al's consternation she loved to drive in the fast lane with one hand off the wheel. He always said she was generous to a fault with her affection for family and friends. For us there was nothing more precious than to witness brother and sister share their childhood memories amid chuckles and laughs, and always expressing their deep respect and love for their parents. We shared her love of music, books and nature walks and she will be with us hearing Mario Lanza, reading C.S.Lewis or walking in the wood.
Gisela and Charlotte

My mother was a true gift from God.  Her faith in God was strong and her love of  life was infinite.  She was brilliant and enjoyed life to its fullest.  She always saw goodness in everyone.  Her enthusiasm was contagious and all were drawn to her.  She loved children!  When they entered the room her face would light up.  She was always prepared for play.  A ball in her pocketbook and a trunk supplied with a kite and toys at all times.  She was always ready for fun.
 Growing up in our home was a child's dream.  Summers were the best.  Jumping in the car and heading for the beach, the car filled to capacity with her best friend and neighbor by her side, and us kids in the back.  Nights at Jones Beach were the greatest!  We also have the many wonderful memories of camping trips and spontaneous day trips where we could end up anywhere.  Niagara Falls was  a memory I will never forget.    
Once we'd grown and left the nest she continued her adventures with my Aunt Annie.  Whether it be a whale watch, Broadway show, trip upstate, a new restaurant to try out, they had a blast.
When her grandkids arrived the circle of love continued.  My mother, always a child at heart, was in her glory once again!  It never ended for my mom.  The great grandkids too.    
She lived life to the fullest enjoying each day.   Always  saying, "Thank you Lord for this day".  To the very end whenever we spoke, which was daily, she would begin with, "What a beautiful day!".  
I will miss her greatly but know she is reunited  and celebrating her reunion with loved ones.  In my heart I know she is with us in spirit.  I love you Mom!
Your devoted daughter, 
Mary

Whenever I think of Mrs. "B" I smile.  I remember  Entenman's boxes on top of the refrigerator, library books by her chair, a school bus outside the house, glasses on top of her head; but most of all I remember the love she gave, to everyone, especially us kids.  She took us everywhere.  Mrs. "B" loved to drive and surround herself with children.  She loved nature, and showed us the beauty of a sunset, and to this day, watching the sun set is one of my  favorite things to do.  Mrs. "B" loved my Mother and my Mother loved her.  They were  good friends.  When I think of Mrs. "B", I think of a beautiful, gentle soul.   She's an angel now, but in truth, I think she always was.  Mrs. "B", I love you and I will never, never forget you. You have left a permanent imprint upon my heart.     
Peggy O'Connor Glover

I don't think I can fully express how important my Grandma was to me. She made me appreciate rocks and stars, driving fast and playing catch in the house (and how to get away with it when things got knocked over!). She taught me to walk briskly and how to enjoy a good rum cake. Most of all, she showed me that it's okay to smile even when things look bleak. Following that example has been hard as of late, but for Grandma's sake, I pledge to remember the good times, to laugh, and to love. I love you, Grandma. Thank you for the lessons you've taught me. Thanks for the joy you spread. You'll always, always be in my heart.

I feel blessed to have been a part of Grandma's love for life.  She found so much joy and happiness in little things, whether it was sitting outside watching birds fly by or tossing a ball around with Ethan.
Grandma was such a beautiful and generous woman.  I treasure the many nights we sat talking about life and laughing together.  She always knew the right things to say when I needed guidance, and just made me feel so loved.  Her wisdom will stay with me always.
She always had a smile to offer, and whenever you were around her you could just feel the warmth from her heart.  I have often heard the saying that a grandmother's love is like no other.  In the case of my grandmother, that saying could not be any more accurate.
Grandma, until we see each other again, I will miss you and love you always.

OBITUARY

Emily Badolato

November 23, 1922 – December 21, 2013

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