Obituary of Grazia Naglieri

This past Sunday, my family suffered the heartbreaking loss of my sweet grandmother. It’s taken me some time to find the words to describe this extraordinary woman and all that she meant to us. She was someone who always spoke her mind, regardless of whether you wanted to hear what she had to say. She pulled no punches and always gave it to you straight. She loved her family and friends fiercely and never let a conversation or visit go by without reminding you how much she loved you. She gave all she had to those she loved. She and my grandfather brought their two young sons from Italy with little more than blind faith and a dream, leaving her whole life and family behind. As a loving, loyal, and family-oriented woman, I imagine this was heartbreaking for her, but she never spoke of regret. I can only hope that she sees her sacrifices as having been fruitful and that she is proud of what her children and grandchildren (great-grandchildren, too!) have been able to achieve. We have grown to find success, create beautiful loving relationships and families, and carry on the spirit of generosity, kindness, and perseverance that she instilled in us. Ringing out in my head is her sweet laugh. She was the silliest, and often got a real kick out of herself, as did we. We all recount the one Christmas where she pulled a “gingerbread cookie” from the freezer for us all to share, only for us to break the bad news that it was, in fact, a clay ornament that someone had given her the year before. To me, this exemplified the sweet, innocent nature that my grandmother always embodied. All she ever wanted was for everyone to be happy, at peace with one another, and at peace with ourselves. Now, my sweet “Ciao Grandma” it is time for you to be at peace and rest with your beloved husband. I will look for you in the same places you have found those of us you loved, on tv, in dreams...sometimes in the oven, but most of all, I will see you in the fond memories I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. I love you.