We'll Miss You Aunt Mary

Our hearts are very heavy today, as we have lost a very treasured family member.  Mary Trapuzzano was Andy's great aunt and Brady's great-great aunt.  She passed away unexpectedly, but surrounded by family yesterday afternoon.  She was 88, and is survived by her husband, Uncle Ted, her three daughters, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.  She was truly loved by all who met her.

I met Aunt Mary almost five years ago, when I met the rest of Andy's family at his younger brother, Patrick's, high school graduation party.  Andy "abandoned" me to play football and since I didn't know anyone, Aunt Mary came and sat down with me and we chatted for a good long time.  She's always been so funny and loving and never missed an opportunity to tell us all how much she loved us.  The light of her life was her family surrounding her. 

Aunt Mary and Uncle Ted lived in a duplex, with Andy's grandparents on the other side, so Andy grew up going to huge Sunday dinners every week, which his grandma and Aunt Mary prepared.  She was such a huge part of his life.

Aunt Mary with some of her local great-grandchildren.  Nothing made her happier than having the kids around her.

 At our wedding, Aunt Mary and Uncle Ted, were the longest married couple in attendance.  They had been married for over 60 years.  When asked for marriage advice on that day, Aunt Mary simply said, "Love each other."  I don't think there is any better advice for a married couple.

 Andy and Aunt Mary dancing together on our wedding day in May 2009.

 Aunt Mary was so youthful.  She's seen here kicking her legs up at our wedding.

Brady is Aunt Mary's only great-great nephew on the Trapuzzano side.  When we told her we were expecting, she was overcome with joy and couldn't wait to meet him.  She's seen above holding Brady on Memorial Day 2010.

It had been several years since we'd lost anyone close to us, so both Andy and I were nervous at the prospect of leaving the country for six months.  We have so many older relatives and we are very sad that we can't be with our family to celebrate Aunt Mary's life.  This small tribute is the most we can do until we are reunited with our family in three months.  It's little comfort, but we know that Aunt Mary is with the angels now and is watching over us with all of our loved ones who have gone before her.  We love you Aunt Mary and we'll miss you terribly!