Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

In Loving Memory of Aunt Sara

Aunt Sara

                             

holding hands

How do we say goodbye to someone who has been a part of our lives since
before we can remember? How do we embrace those who are sad and give
them hope? How do I remain in France when nearly my entire family lives
in one small wonderful rural community?

Aunt Sara and Aunt Ann

 

  cousins

   

Today is my Aunt Sara's funeral.
Today my family will gather, share stories, shed tears, embrace one another…
Today the church hall will be full of cakes, casseroles and hot warm buns.
Today will mark time for my Uncle and cousins.
Today
I will hear my Aunt Sara's cackle, feel her pinching my cheek, today I
recall the fun I had at her home, swimming in her pool as a child and
eating the delicious peaches from her backyard.

IMG_9754   IMG_9703

(Photos two summers ago at my Aunt Sara's Birthday Party.)

(My Aunts and cousins many many happy summers ago. Photo source: Christine Cuccia)

In loving memory of my dear Aunt Sara: My Father's sister, my Uncle Phil's wife, my cousins Lynn (*Birdbrain), Julie (*Sheba) and Christine (*Francobollo) loving mother.

My thoughts and prayers are in Willows.

(*My cousin's nicknames in the comment section of my blog.)

Comments

60 responses to “In Loving Memory of Aunt Sara”

  1. Karen

    So sorry to hear of your loss… love your family photos, especially all the smiling cousins at the table.
    I’ve wondered what it would be like to live in a country completely separate from your family, especially if you are closeknit. I suppose there are always tradeoffs, even when living in paradise with a wonderful man.

    Reply
  2. Jeanette M.

    Sending healing thoughts of prayer to France and Willows this morning. What a lovely woman she must have been. The photo “from many happy summers ago” seems to be filled with so much joy – precious memory I’m sure. I love her birthday hat and the holding hands photo – as always you have such a way of giving us the “feeling” of things. Condolences Corey.

    Reply
  3. Laura

    A beautiful tribute to your aunt….I know it must be hard at this time to be so far from family. May those wonderful memories comfort you and bring you peace.
    Warm wishes…Laura

    Reply
  4. Jeanne

    God bless your Aunt and all of you
    My love and prayers
    Love Jeanne

    Reply
  5. Katiebell

    Blessings for love to you and your family. i’m sorry you lost your beloved aunt, i hope your grief treads light. I’m sure willo’s loves you Corey, I know you cant regret following your heart. Please dont beat yourself up about it.

    Reply
  6. Julie Ann

    That is a beautiful tribute Corey. So sorry to hear the sad news about Aunt Sara and for how you must be feeling today so many miles from Willows. Your Dad will be uppermost in your mind and a tough day also for your Mum. Special thoughts and love Coco, God Bless, jx

    Reply
  7. Cindy

    Memories are a wonderful gift. You are with her today.

    Reply
  8. Tammy at The Butterfly Mind

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to be so far away from family at this difficult time. I was living in France when my father died. Remember, I’m not too far from your old stomping grounds of Willows …
    Here is a California garden to help brighten your otherwise sad day …
    http://thebutterflymind.com/ramblings_0151_sharinggardens.htm

    Reply
  9. Carol

    I’m so very sorry, Corey, for the loss of your precious Aunt Sara and that you can’t be in Willows with your family today.
    Thank God for pictures. The ones you’ve shared today are so sweet!
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Reply
  10. Bev

    I think that that is the hardest thing to be away from family when there are celebrations and deaths. But you know, some day there will be a celebration with those we love and enjoy that will never end…:)

    Reply
  11. Susana Stevens

    I’m sorry for your sadness.
    One speck of brightness in loss, is that those who have passed are reunited with their other loved ones who have gone before them. Others, your grandparents, and your dad were there with loving and welcome arms – “Hi, Sara!”
    You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
    xxx

    Reply
  12. jend’isère

    Peach is the color of the day. Such a colorful sweet tribute to Aunt Sara by her French neice! If you don’t find a fresh peach to eat, perhaps peach marmalade on the best of bread in her honor.

    Reply
  13. Sheala

    My love and prayers to Lynn (my life guard instructor) Julie ( my former life guarding pal) and Christine (also life guards together) My hearts are with you and your entire family
    XOXOXOXOXO Sheala Feeney

    Reply
  14. Shelley at decoragain.blogspot.com

    Finally, Aunt Sarah comes to see you in France. Look carefully, she’s in your day today…loving everything you love.

    Reply
  15. Star

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Corey. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  16. Mardog

    Headed to Willows this morning for her service. We all have so many great memories of a fun, fun and full of life woman. I too loved her “cackle” and teasing and great sense of humor.
    You’ll be missed. xo

    Reply
  17. Ardi

    The pictures say it all – and being so far away has to be difficult. May your memories of times together with Sara and the family sustain you through these days and may you have the comfort that only time and God can bring you.

    Reply
  18. Penny

    I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Aunt Sara – for you and your entire family. Your words portray a very lovely lady – wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. Sincere condolences.

    Reply
  19. Lilly

    Sorry Corey. It’s hard to lose a wonderful aunt.
    I’m the same, missing most family events, being in CA while the whole family is in MA. I’ve missed a lot, but being away and making long visits back home makes it all even more special I think. And like you, when my mom (your dad) was very sick, I was able to go back there for months.

    Reply
  20. Betsy

    Cory, from the photographs, I’d say it looked like a life well lived, and it doesn’t get much better than that. Hold all those memories in your heart and speak them to your children…

    Reply
  21. Theresa – Garden Antqs Vintage

    Corey, what a sweet post and tribute to your beloved aunt.

    Reply
  22. ~Kim

    So sorry for your loss, Corey. What a wonderful family you have and such great memories growing up with so many relatives/friends nearby. May God comfort all of you.

    Reply
  23. Carey

    God bless you and your family, Corey. I’m sorry you can’t be in Willows with them today, but your online tribute is really very beautiful and personal.

    Reply
  24. Gina Johnson

    Oh Corey, I feel for you. It is so hard to be away from your family when everyone is dealing with such a loss. So hard to know “when” to come home, and for what. It sounds like you saw her a couple of years ago at a fabulous party. That is the way to do it. Thinking of you today, your day is winding down……

    Reply
  25. Betty M

    Heartfelt wishes go out to you today Corey. Cherish your memories.

    Reply
  26. georgie

    Every woman should have the gift of a favorite aunt in their lives. They are like a parent, teacher, friend and mischief maker all wrapped in one loving person. My sympathies to you and your family on Aunt Sara’s passing.

    Reply
  27. Rhonda

    My sincere condolences to you and your family. Aunt Sara made a difference in your life and your tribute today is warm and full of memories that will last a lifetime. I especially love the photo with her hands…how beautiful to capture that.

    Reply
  28. cynthia Wolff @Beatenheart

    Oh Corey…I feel your pain…Your family seems so loving ..I think of your perfect life and I forget how hard it must be to be seperated from your close knit family…Come home this summer if you can…that will probably help…The pic of the cousins…those old 7up bottles. It brought back memories of my own family, cousins and the good old days when we were children…bless..

    Reply
  29. Marilyn

    What a dear Aunt Sara! Her pictures do tell it all, a beautiful woman on the outside and inside. She will be missed. I can tell you loved her and gave her a very special tribute today. I know your heart must be heavy with missing your family today. Take heart and rejoice in a life well lived.

    Reply
  30. Alicia

    … and our thoughts are with you and yours.

    Reply
  31. Laura

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. How wonderful to have been so well-loved.

    Reply
  32. Jenna

    My deepest condolences. I am sorry for your loss. She has the face of someone who has lived a very good and happy life.

    Reply
  33. Kim G.

    X and O Corey.

    Reply
  34. Celeste

    Corey you and yours are in my heart and prayers.

    Reply
  35. Sara

    Sending you warm thoughts of peace, Corey.

    Reply
  36. Brenda L from TN

    Dear Corey,
    I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Aunt Sara looks to have been a lovely lady and I know your family loved her and will cherish her memory. My condolences to all.

    Reply
  37. Sally

    I’m so sorry and saddened to hear of your dear Aunt’s passing, Corey! I’m so sorry that you cannot be there today in person, that must be so very painful for you.
    Please know I am thinking of you and sending lots of hugs.

    Reply
  38. penny willoughby

    Dear Corey,
    I thought of you last night as I watched Tom Hanks on David Letterman. He mentioned that his father was from Willows, CA. I was saddened to read today of your loss. I know your heart is there today. May all of your wonderful memories give you comfort. Penny

    Reply
  39. momof5

    ((((((((((Corey))))))))

    Reply
  40. Susan

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I particularly love the picture of her hands – they were beautiful. Thank you for sharing just a bit of her with us.

    Reply
  41. Berlin

    My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. <3
    I am so sorry for your loss. Your aunt reminded me of my granny. 🙁

    Reply
  42. Victoria Ramos

    Você está em meus pensamentos.
    I am sure your aunt is sleeping with angels – alongside you father.

    Reply
  43. Kathie B.

    Os meus pêsames profundos (that’s for Victoria Ramos’ benefit!).
    I imagine someone in your family happily printed out your virtual tribute to your Aunt Sarah in order to take it to the services (or after-reception) today. I know personally how hard it is to be thousands of miles from the rest of one’s family, but sometimes one must lead one’s own life regardless.
    Corey, are some of your relatives still planning to come visit you next month? (If so, remind them to bring the books I sent them for you).

    Reply
  44. Carole

    Oh Corey – may you feel the loving embrace of your California family all the way to France. You are all in my thoughts and prayers today.

    Reply
  45. mindi

    Sorry for your loss, your family is in my thoughts and prayers today.

    Reply
  46. Lorelei

    Peace be with you, Corey. What bittersweet words you write today! What memories you have to treasure and to share!! May God bless you and your home, may angels guard its corners and blessings fall upon you and yours like rain through your broken tiles.

    Reply
  47. missy

    dear Corey,
    My sweet Aunt Sarah (91) died a few weeks ago and I too have wonderful memories of cousins and barbecues and fun and most of all love….I could not travel across the country to be with family so I feel your pain. Love and prayers to you and your family.
    Missy from the bayou

    Reply
  48. Y

    Corey, So Sorry for your loss.
    No matter how far away from
    your family, your thoughts and love
    will reach them. XOXO, Y.

    Reply
  49. Patt

    As the Day of your Aunt Sara’s funeral comes to and end here in Northern California know that I have paused for a moment to honor her. To honor her a woman I did not know, the family she loved so much and you. I know not being there was hard, I have mourned alone, at the passing of my grandmother. Mourning alone is not pleasant. You held a place in my heart today. Your distance is only in miles. May God bless you Corey.

    Reply
  50. Lili

    This is such a lovely tribute to your Aunt Sara. Blessings to you and your family. ~Lili

    Reply
  51. Mo’a

    I am so sorry for your and your families loss.
    I know exactly how you feel…it is never easy to be so very far away from those you love, especially at a time like this. xoxo

    Reply
  52. Julie M.

    I’m sorry, Corey…God bless you!
    : (
    Julie M.

    Reply
  53. Julie W.

    Blessings of peace and comfort to you and your family Corey. What consolation it is to look back on rich memories. Your dear Aunt Sarah had a sweet, wise, face, lovely gentle looking hands and great legs! You captured her beautifully in your photos–as well as the love and support of family.
    It’s wonderful how the internet can bring you and your family a bit closer today, and also bring you an outpouring of love and sympathy from friends around the world.
    Sincere Condolences,
    Julie W.

    Reply
  54. Karon

    Corey, you don’t need to think about how it is not to be there with them. You are there, in your heart and in your elloquent words. Your Aunt Sara will know how much you care, how sad you are.
    Hold her memory of happy times.
    Karon x

    Reply
  55. Juliette

    You made me cried… so much love in this post…
    All my prayers are for you and for Willow’s familly today.
    I think of you.

    Reply
  56. AnnieElf

    What a rich life your Aunt Sara had. What a legacy of family she left. Our Mother must have given her a great welcome home hug, no doubt about it.

    Reply
  57. carol

    Dear Corey,
    What a loving tribute to your Aunt Sara. I am so sorry for your loss. I had a most special Aunt. (Aunt Bess) She was my best friend and I miss her so. I too know the pain of not being close to family. Your aunt knows the feelings of your heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers today.
    love, carol

    Reply
  58. Suzanne

    Corey, may you feel my hugs for you!
    Your stories of your family are so precious! I can feel that your spirit will be with them during this sad time…and always.
    I only have one aunt left and I treasure her deeply, even though she is over a thousand miles away. We will make a trip to see her this summer…and make many phones calls before that.
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful feelings and pictures! Remember those fun and happy family times!
    My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family,
    Suzanne

    Reply
  59. Franca Bollo

    Thank you, Coco. I’m going to miss holding those soft hands. (Thanks, Susan, for noticing their beauty.)
    Thank you, Sheala, for your words of solace. (I never knew you had a life guarding connection to all three Cuccia girls!)
    And thank you, Mardog, for lending your graceful essence to the Mass: leading the Prayers of the Faithful and reading Julie’s eulogy. My Mother and Father; and we, their three daughters, are honored.

    Reply
  60. liannallama

    your photos of her shine with a light of their own and tell a story that nobody else could tell. She looks like such a lovely person and I’m sad that you will miss her so much and can’t be with your family right now. I’m so sorry for your loss.

    Reply

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