Esther R. Caruso-Barbella

Esther Caruso Barbella My grandmother�s honed gifts to the world were her uncanny ability to make any kind of food delectable and her capacity to love and care for people, especially her family. Cooks like Grandma are blessings. Regardless of whether my mother and I were helping her make it, when we tried to replicate the recipe, our food was never quite the same. I believe that God touched her hands and heart with love and Grace. Those were her special ingredients. We lived for Friday night pizza, Saturday�s roast beef, and Sunday�s pasta. �Oh, who cares? Have another piece.� often issued from Esther�s mouth, especially with her desserts. Her generosity was boundless. Born on August 6th, 1924 in Newark, New Jersey to first generation Italian-Americans, James and Rachael Caruso, my grandmother was the youngest of seven girls and two boys, born over 20 years; she died, January 5th, 2012, with one surviving sibling. Her family was her world. Her husband, Ozzie, her children, Theresa and Robert, her five Grandchildren, ten Great- Grandchildren, and one Great-Great Grandchild completed and motivated every decision she made. No one could have asked for a better wife, mother or grandmother. Her greatest joy was my grandfather, Ozzie. She would do anything for him. Even when sick, her first words were, �How�s your Grandfather?� Being together since she was 12, falling in love and marrying at 17, they became each other�s spiritual halves. Over the course of 69 years of marriage, their strength and family-centered lives carried them through joy and sorrow. We heard a lot of �Don�t tell your Grandfather.� When she would think she was sneaking money to us or buying something, hiding chocolate in the house and think my grandfather didn�t know. He knew, and never said a word, and found the chocolate every time! Whether Essie, Mom or Grandma, her memory will always evoke comfort, love, and our family�s heart. Every day of her life she lavished her love and attention on us, and that is her greatest legacy. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 1-3 and 5-7 P.M. A service will be conducted Friday, January 13, 2012 at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 11 A.M.

Esther R. Caruso-Barbella

January 6, 2012