Carmelita Giacobbi Italiano

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and friend, Carmelita (Giacobbi) Italiano, choose to go home on 10/15/16 while in her family's loving arms.
Carmelita was born on March 17, 1926 in Syracuse NY. She grew up in the Eastwood section of Syracuse.
She married Joseph Italiano at Saint Vincent DePaul church at the age of 21 in 1947.
She is predeceased by ex-husband Joseph and son James Thomas Italiano and brother in law Larry Lyman.
Carmelita is survived by sister Cathy (Giacobbi) Lyman.
Children: Michael (Reva Hamilton), Joseph, Gina (Dan Hayes) and Andrew.
Grandchildren: Connie, Michael Jr. (Suzanna),
Krista, Jim (Joy), Tom, (Sarah)
and Coral Italiano.
Great grandchildren: Dashaun Smith, Elise Italiano, Maya, Micah and Eden Hayes and new comer Emilia Hayes.

Carmelita was extremely proud and beaming when speaking of her Children, Grand Children and Great Grand Children. A source of great pride that she was always eager to share with whoever would listen.

You may of known Carm from her working days at Addis Co., The card department at Drumlins Drug Store or helping out at Mary Jane Dougall Flowershop.

Most remember Carm from her warm, welcoming smile, bright eyes and genuine interest in your well being. Carm always lit up a room, warmed hearts and always made people feel comfortable no matter the circumstance. She was quick with a laugh or to sing a song. She loved the Beatles, Harry Belifonte, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.
Till the end she loved playing piano and reading music, singing and dancing. If you sang while she played you were her pal. She loved a good joke, was a big fan of cinema and show business. Her favorite movie was "Moonstruck". She enjoyed reading biographies of the movie stars of her era. She was a avid reader.
Carm loved to be out and about. Her first question usually was: "Where are we going today?" She enjoyed greatly drives through the countryside. She loved sitting by the ocean or lakes, content for hours doing so. If you asked her to go anywhere (besides a doctor), before you could finish your question the answer was 'Okay!"

Carmelita was a activist. Especially on behalf of food quality and the "Non GMO" crusade. She has written numerous letters to politicians, business leaders and publications often getting positive results. She has received response letters from The White House, congressmen, and CEO's of major cooperations. Her passion and drive for results was enormous.

Carmelita was a excellent cook. She had a knack for quickly throwing together great meals without a recipe. Especially Italian food. She was quick to share her secrets but seldom could the results be repeated by others.
It took her over 50 years to try a bottled pasta sauce and that was met with great skepticism and suspicion. She loved cooking for others and was very content filling others bellies with her food. She rairly spoke a word when a plate of pasta was in front of her. She loved her pasta! She also enjoyed fresh greens and seafood. Especially from her beloved Martha's Vineyard.

Carmelita was a amazing friend. She gave practical, simple, sound advice. She offered reassuring counsel and support and would laugh at your jokes even if not funny. She would listen without judgement, support your causes, join in your battles and rejoice in your successes.
Carmelita was able to shed successes and failures and take on new journeys and always move foreword.
Carm did not judge anyone based on race, religion or sexual orientation. She made friends with all types of people without judgement.

Carm said: "Don't cry for me. Dance, laugh and sing. Celebrate and have fun."
Mothers know best