Judith A Salutari

On behalf of my family, I would like to begin by thanking everyone who is here along with everyone who sent their condolences.  We have received countless texts, phone calls, emails, thoughts and prayers.  They all have been both comforting during this difficult time and have been a reminder of the impact that our Mom had on so many others lives.

We all know how much she loved attention, so I am sure she is looking down on us right now saying, “Stop, I don’t need this.”  But honestly, she does.  She even tried to stop us by a car crashing into the lobby of the Funeral Home!  But, as always Mom, I found a way.  She deserves to be honored for being the greatest Mother, Wife, Mema, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, friend and so many other ways she has touched the lives of countless people.  This is going to be extremely difficult for me and I ask you to please bear with me as I try to honor the greatest mother in the world and her extraordinary life.

My mother, Judy was a kind, compassionate, loving woman who always went out of her way to help others.  She had a passion for life and a wonderful sense of humor.  Our Mom was born in 1943.  She grew up in a small house on Anne Street with her parents, her brothers Ronnie and Sal and her sister Carol.   As you could imagine, living in the city as kids they had many adventures.  When they went out to play, Judy & Ronnie were responsible for taking care of their little brother Sal.  Judy, Ronnie and Sal would set out each day on a new “city adventure” of which their Mom, my Grandma, was never aware.  In 1955, the family moved to Hamden, CT and lived in the apartments in their maternal grandparents three family house.  Beginning school in a new town is always difficult but my Mom entered Hamden High School and excelled in business courses.  Upon graduation, her business teacher would secure her a job in the accounting department at Detroit Steel in Hamden.  She was a very conscientious worker and was promoted many times in her time there.  It was also in Hamden that her brother Ronnie would introduce her to his best friend Tony, my dad.  They dated in high school and were married a year after graduation.  She ended her career when I was born and began her new life as my Mom.  A few years later, my brother would be born, and our family was complete. 

As time went by and my brother and I grew older, she decided it was time for her to go back to work.  She and her best friend Nancy decided to start a home cleaning business.  They both worked tirelessly and had a very successful business.  They had many laughs along the way.  They were friends for life.  In 1979, my Mom, Nancy, my Grandma, and my Aunt Carol decided to take a “girls” trip to Las Vegas.  They had such a great time on that trip that they decided to make it an annual event.  Eventually, the group would grow larger and include my Aunt Donna and Aunt Joann.  They had many laughs and great times in Las Vegas.    

When I think of my Mom, there are so many words to describe her which makes it hard to choose just one.  But if I had to choose one, I think it would be selfless.  She always put everyone before her and did anything and everything she possibly could for her family, friends or someone passing by whether it be a smile, a wave, a conversation, or a helping hand or an ear for listening or in any way possible.  She loved her family beyond words and her grandchildren meant the world to her. 

I will always remember all the holidays at her house with our family.  She would prepare a meal for an army!  The food was always delicious, and we had plenty of leftovers to enjoy for days.  My brother, cousins and I had to sit at the kid’s table.  Eventually, as we got older, we were able to sit with the adults.  So many memories of laughing, arguing (we are Italian, aren’t we?!) and bonding that are priceless. 

As a family, we didn’t have much money, but she was sure that we had the current fashions.  Our vacations were camping all over New England.  I think setting up the tent was their greatest adventure.  Many times, we arrived after dark, had the car headlights for light while they tried to put the poles together to set up the tent.  Of course, it always rained, there always was a rock under you and for the most part it was cold.  But the memories we created were priceless. 

Our mom had many friends of all ages.  No matter where she lived, she had an endless stream of friends dropping in.  All her neighbor’s dogs loved her too!  She had a passion for nature and animals. 

My Mom has always been there for me.  She was not only my Mom but my best friend, my confidant, my support, my strength and comfort.  She had so many great qualities but her greatest quality, was to encourage me to make the best of everything and face problems head on.  She taught us good manners, respect and sound moral values.  These values have made me who I am, and I thank her so very much.  I don’t know how I am going to coupe without her.  I will draw the strength during difficult times from the things she taught me.  I will spend the rest of my life honoring her by trying to be half the person she was and helping my family in any way I possibly can. 

It is an honor to share my precious memories of our mother with you.  She will be missed by all, but her memory will live on in us forever.

I love you so much, Moms, and will miss you more than words can ever say.  I will carry you with me always.

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