Gilda BOSCO was born on February 22, 1924 and passed away on August 6, 2020 and is under the care of Oehler Funeral Home.
Gilda Bosco
February 22, 1924 – August 6, 2020
Stuart, Florida: Gilda Bosco, 96, peacefully passed away August 6, 2020. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Emilio.
Loving Mother of Celeste Wegman and her husband Dick Wegman. Cherished Nonna of Rick & April and Tyson & Marcia. Adored Great-Grandmother of Jack & Lucy. Much loved Sister of Roberto, and late Santo, Rosaria, Vincenzo, Giovanina, and Alfredo. Gilda and her famous Italian cooking will be lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews, relatives, and many dear friends.
A message from Tyson Wegman:
Heaven gained another angel yesterday My Nonna, Gilda Molinaro Bosco aka "Non", was called home by the Lord at 9:02 am yesterday morning. She passed away peacefully thank God. Gilda Molinaro came from humble beginnings. Growing up on a farmstead in the country outside of Cosenza, in Calabria - Southern Italy, where she lived with her mother, father and many brothers and sisters, and later, with her to be husband Emilio and to be only child Celeste Wegman . She was a walking miracle from the start. Gilda was a twin, one of two girls. Illness set in and the Doctor was called to the farm. Grave news...Meningitis the Doctor told the family. The Doctor then struck a match stick and proceeded to slowly waive the match in front of the twins eyes as the toddlers lay sick in bed. The Doctor gave the stark news, "This one is going to make it, this one not" Gilda's twin did not...
As Gilda grew into a young woman, she met the love of her life, my very handsome Nonno Emilio Bosco rest his soul. Emilio was different. Unlike so many young, attractive dark hair, dark eyed Italian men, he had light hair and blue eyes. Gilda met her soulmate, love of her life and they knew at the very young age of 13/14 that they would soon marry, when World War Two broke out and my Nonno captured and thrown in prison camp in Northern Africa for 6 years.
For six years without word my Nonna prayed and waited until one day my Nonno came home unannounced by train weighing only 90 pounds. They would soon marry and have an only child, Celeste Michelle Bosco, aka my Mom Gilda would make clothes with a sewing machine shared by many families. They lived a simple life. She yearned for more. She was fiercely driven. My Nonno Emilio was a brick mason in the "Old Country" riding his bike many miles to and from work each day. Gilda asked my great grand Nonno for a little piece of land and when he asked for what she responded "To build a small house" of course the old Italian farmer chuckled as Gilda and Emilio with newborn Celeste had not the money to construct. Gilda being Gilda said "not to worry, if we can have a little piece we will make it happen" and they did.
She asked my Nonno Emilio to bring home bricks in his back sac each day on his ride home instead of money. Overtime, they would amass enough bricks and supplies to build a very small home, with no kitchen at first, having to prepare meals at her parents house on the farm. Non oved sharing stories and memories and I always loved asking about them. Incredible stories and memories of simple Italian farm life. She loved to talk about how her father would awake before 4am to start chores. Mom always shares fond memories of her early childhood in Italy. Emilio would take her, and his red hunting dog "Fiamo", (Fire in ) bird hunting, and mom would carry his bird bag as they spent time together walking the Calabrian countryside.
Gilda always pushed for a better life and wanted to come to America to live the "Proverbial American Dream". Gilda's father, my great grand Nonno, came to the US in the early 1900's, only to return to Italy discouraged. Gilda was determined to do better. Prove that she could. When Gilda was determined, nothing got in her way. Her strength and courage a force to be reckoned with.
So, in 1955, Emilio, Gilda and young Celeste, boarded a ship bound for New York like so many hopeful immigrants before them. Two weeks later, they arrived in NY. Suitcase in hand, they got picked up by Nonno Emilio's relatives to drive, and then settle into life in Chicago land. First living in the Italian neighborhood of Highwood, then later in Deerfield.
Gilda worked tirelessly first at the YWCA, and then as a seamstress, in the back of a hot cleaners all day. I would play sick from school all to often so she would take me to work as a little boy to play in the ravines behind the cleaners. As I write this, I clearly remember vividly the smell of the starches, sounds, heat and steam of the presses...After work in the evenings, tired yet determined to always helping others and getting ahead, she would always have people come by the house dropping clothes off for her to mend. Emilio, a landscaper by day, then would come home tired yet determined as well, would eat dinner, then go be a janitor at the school at night. They both worked at least two jobs. We lost Emilio to lung cancer in 1981. He loved to hunt, and you can see him in one of the pictures holding a couple pheasants with the love of his life Gilda, acting shy hiding behind the tree. They loved spending time together gardening and my Nonno grew prized tomatoes. My Nonno Emilio was a wonderful warm hearted, extremely hard working man and loved Rick Wegman and Ty so much. We lost him to soon...
Shortly after Emilio's passing she lived with us at Eagle Harbor Inn and Cottages in Ephraim, Wisconsin where again, she amazed us by making and selling pillows, out of the old office turned into Gilda's pillow shop. Of course she would also mend clothes, cook and help clean rooms on the side, always hustling our Nonny. I can hear her saying, "Why put off for tomorrow what you can do today" in that beautiful broken English accent we will all cherish and miss.
Few years later, mom and dad sold the resort and we moved to Stuart, Florida and got Non her condo at Island Crest on Hutchinson Island off Jensen Beach where she lived close to 40 years. She loved Florida and always would say how the climate reminded her of Southern Italy and the hibiscus flowers everywhere her beloved Emilio's favorite
She past the years sewing, cooking entertaining family and friends. People always coming and going and always, always, always something cooking on the stove or in the oven. Everyone that ever met Gilda loved her. She had an infections personality to say the least. She sewed until she physically could not as her right thumb became to crooked from all the years (You can see her thumb in the video of her talking about taking care of the poor) to do so having pushed so many needles over time... I will miss holding those precious, hard worked hands so much. The stories they could tell..
Always together with our Chicago, Wisconsin or Canadian extended Italian families, breaking bread and making memories. From Chicago, to Door County WI then to her final home in Florida, Gilda lived a full, long life. She never made it past the third grade but is and was by far the finest woman I have ever known. She always pushed my brother and I can her saying "Get an education". My brother earning a PhD, myself earning a BA. Thank you, Nonny! She pushed herself to learn to write but struggled after Emilio's passing as her writing very poor.
Unbelievably, she always new how to get by. She was brilliant with her warm heart and kindness leading the way.
Nonny taught us how to love unconditionally, how to help your neighbor, the poor and needy, how to work very hard each and ever day no matter your education or background to get what you want. To always take pride in anything you do and give it your best. She taught us how to cook as Gilda was the best chef we have all been around. Those that knew Gilda never left her house not only full but with a ton of to go. Her house was always open, her generosity like nothing I have ever scene. The incredible scents of her cooking drifting about, and a constant wave of friends coming and going, as she would often have her condo windows and doors propped open, AC off, in the Florida heat. "Come in" she would shout in that beautiful voice from her favorite sewing chair if the door happened to be closed. No one is going hungry in heaven and everyone's clothes fit with her new thumb! Her never ending loving kindness, overwhelming generosity for others, her deep love for her family and friends, the countless "words of wisdom" talks and life lessons she gave until the end left a formidable mark on so many.
She was our rock, our beacon of light and hope that fought for and defended all of us keeping us safe in her arms. Family was everything to her. She had a heart of gold and gave and gave and gave and gave. She taught us how to love deeply and compassionately, never missed church on Sunday and loved her friends and family deeply. She taught us you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. Nothing our beloved "Nonny" couldn't do!
She loved America and she was proud to have achieved the "American Dream". You did it, Nonny! She is by far the most incredible person I have known and we miss her very, very much. She will be laid to rest next to her loving husband Emilio at All Saints Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum - Des Plaines, Illinois.
Our hearts hurt terribly but we take great comfort knowing our Nonny is in God's arms. She was tired, it was her time to join her husband, relatives and friends in heaven.
We will continue to share your memories, life lessons, and strive to be more like you each and ever day. I promise Nonny, you will always be remembered and never, ever be forgotten. In your ever so wise words, "After rain, comes sunshine" Until we meet again in heaven Nonny, We love you so so very much. Enjoy the glorious sunshine and everlasting light.
Rest In Peace Gilda Molinaro Bosco February 22, 1924 - August 6, 2020
Contributor: Martin Weybright (47169053)
Gilda Bosco
February 22, 1924 – August 6, 2020
Stuart, Florida: Gilda Bosco, 96, peacefully passed away August 6, 2020. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Emilio.
Loving Mother of Celeste Wegman and her husband Dick Wegman. Cherished Nonna of Rick & April and Tyson & Marcia. Adored Great-Grandmother of Jack & Lucy. Much loved Sister of Roberto, and late Santo, Rosaria, Vincenzo, Giovanina, and Alfredo. Gilda and her famous Italian cooking will be lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews, relatives, and many dear friends.
A message from Tyson Wegman:
Heaven gained another angel yesterday My Nonna, Gilda Molinaro Bosco aka "Non", was called home by the Lord at 9:02 am yesterday morning. She passed away peacefully thank God. Gilda Molinaro came from humble beginnings. Growing up on a farmstead in the country outside of Cosenza, in Calabria - Southern Italy, where she lived with her mother, father and many brothers and sisters, and later, with her to be husband Emilio and to be only child Celeste Wegman . She was a walking miracle from the start. Gilda was a twin, one of two girls. Illness set in and the Doctor was called to the farm. Grave news...Meningitis the Doctor told the family. The Doctor then struck a match stick and proceeded to slowly waive the match in front of the twins eyes as the toddlers lay sick in bed. The Doctor gave the stark news, "This one is going to make it, this one not" Gilda's twin did not...
As Gilda grew into a young woman, she met the love of her life, my very handsome Nonno Emilio Bosco rest his soul. Emilio was different. Unlike so many young, attractive dark hair, dark eyed Italian men, he had light hair and blue eyes. Gilda met her soulmate, love of her life and they knew at the very young age of 13/14 that they would soon marry, when World War Two broke out and my Nonno captured and thrown in prison camp in Northern Africa for 6 years.
For six years without word my Nonna prayed and waited until one day my Nonno came home unannounced by train weighing only 90 pounds. They would soon marry and have an only child, Celeste Michelle Bosco, aka my Mom Gilda would make clothes with a sewing machine shared by many families. They lived a simple life. She yearned for more. She was fiercely driven. My Nonno Emilio was a brick mason in the "Old Country" riding his bike many miles to and from work each day. Gilda asked my great grand Nonno for a little piece of land and when he asked for what she responded "To build a small house" of course the old Italian farmer chuckled as Gilda and Emilio with newborn Celeste had not the money to construct. Gilda being Gilda said "not to worry, if we can have a little piece we will make it happen" and they did.
She asked my Nonno Emilio to bring home bricks in his back sac each day on his ride home instead of money. Overtime, they would amass enough bricks and supplies to build a very small home, with no kitchen at first, having to prepare meals at her parents house on the farm. Non oved sharing stories and memories and I always loved asking about them. Incredible stories and memories of simple Italian farm life. She loved to talk about how her father would awake before 4am to start chores. Mom always shares fond memories of her early childhood in Italy. Emilio would take her, and his red hunting dog "Fiamo", (Fire in ) bird hunting, and mom would carry his bird bag as they spent time together walking the Calabrian countryside.
Gilda always pushed for a better life and wanted to come to America to live the "Proverbial American Dream". Gilda's father, my great grand Nonno, came to the US in the early 1900's, only to return to Italy discouraged. Gilda was determined to do better. Prove that she could. When Gilda was determined, nothing got in her way. Her strength and courage a force to be reckoned with.
So, in 1955, Emilio, Gilda and young Celeste, boarded a ship bound for New York like so many hopeful immigrants before them. Two weeks later, they arrived in NY. Suitcase in hand, they got picked up by Nonno Emilio's relatives to drive, and then settle into life in Chicago land. First living in the Italian neighborhood of Highwood, then later in Deerfield.
Gilda worked tirelessly first at the YWCA, and then as a seamstress, in the back of a hot cleaners all day. I would play sick from school all to often so she would take me to work as a little boy to play in the ravines behind the cleaners. As I write this, I clearly remember vividly the smell of the starches, sounds, heat and steam of the presses...After work in the evenings, tired yet determined to always helping others and getting ahead, she would always have people come by the house dropping clothes off for her to mend. Emilio, a landscaper by day, then would come home tired yet determined as well, would eat dinner, then go be a janitor at the school at night. They both worked at least two jobs. We lost Emilio to lung cancer in 1981. He loved to hunt, and you can see him in one of the pictures holding a couple pheasants with the love of his life Gilda, acting shy hiding behind the tree. They loved spending time together gardening and my Nonno grew prized tomatoes. My Nonno Emilio was a wonderful warm hearted, extremely hard working man and loved Rick Wegman and Ty so much. We lost him to soon...
Shortly after Emilio's passing she lived with us at Eagle Harbor Inn and Cottages in Ephraim, Wisconsin where again, she amazed us by making and selling pillows, out of the old office turned into Gilda's pillow shop. Of course she would also mend clothes, cook and help clean rooms on the side, always hustling our Nonny. I can hear her saying, "Why put off for tomorrow what you can do today" in that beautiful broken English accent we will all cherish and miss.
Few years later, mom and dad sold the resort and we moved to Stuart, Florida and got Non her condo at Island Crest on Hutchinson Island off Jensen Beach where she lived close to 40 years. She loved Florida and always would say how the climate reminded her of Southern Italy and the hibiscus flowers everywhere her beloved Emilio's favorite
She past the years sewing, cooking entertaining family and friends. People always coming and going and always, always, always something cooking on the stove or in the oven. Everyone that ever met Gilda loved her. She had an infections personality to say the least. She sewed until she physically could not as her right thumb became to crooked from all the years (You can see her thumb in the video of her talking about taking care of the poor) to do so having pushed so many needles over time... I will miss holding those precious, hard worked hands so much. The stories they could tell..
Always together with our Chicago, Wisconsin or Canadian extended Italian families, breaking bread and making memories. From Chicago, to Door County WI then to her final home in Florida, Gilda lived a full, long life. She never made it past the third grade but is and was by far the finest woman I have ever known. She always pushed my brother and I can her saying "Get an education". My brother earning a PhD, myself earning a BA. Thank you, Nonny! She pushed herself to learn to write but struggled after Emilio's passing as her writing very poor.
Unbelievably, she always new how to get by. She was brilliant with her warm heart and kindness leading the way.
Nonny taught us how to love unconditionally, how to help your neighbor, the poor and needy, how to work very hard each and ever day no matter your education or background to get what you want. To always take pride in anything you do and give it your best. She taught us how to cook as Gilda was the best chef we have all been around. Those that knew Gilda never left her house not only full but with a ton of to go. Her house was always open, her generosity like nothing I have ever scene. The incredible scents of her cooking drifting about, and a constant wave of friends coming and going, as she would often have her condo windows and doors propped open, AC off, in the Florida heat. "Come in" she would shout in that beautiful voice from her favorite sewing chair if the door happened to be closed. No one is going hungry in heaven and everyone's clothes fit with her new thumb! Her never ending loving kindness, overwhelming generosity for others, her deep love for her family and friends, the countless "words of wisdom" talks and life lessons she gave until the end left a formidable mark on so many.
She was our rock, our beacon of light and hope that fought for and defended all of us keeping us safe in her arms. Family was everything to her. She had a heart of gold and gave and gave and gave and gave. She taught us how to love deeply and compassionately, never missed church on Sunday and loved her friends and family deeply. She taught us you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. Nothing our beloved "Nonny" couldn't do!
She loved America and she was proud to have achieved the "American Dream". You did it, Nonny! She is by far the most incredible person I have known and we miss her very, very much. She will be laid to rest next to her loving husband Emilio at All Saints Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum - Des Plaines, Illinois.
Our hearts hurt terribly but we take great comfort knowing our Nonny is in God's arms. She was tired, it was her time to join her husband, relatives and friends in heaven.
We will continue to share your memories, life lessons, and strive to be more like you each and ever day. I promise Nonny, you will always be remembered and never, ever be forgotten. In your ever so wise words, "After rain, comes sunshine" Until we meet again in heaven Nonny, We love you so so very much. Enjoy the glorious sunshine and everlasting light.
Rest In Peace Gilda Molinaro Bosco February 22, 1924 - August 6, 2020
Contributor: Martin Weybright (47169053)
Gilda BOSCO was born on February 22, 1924 and passed away on August 6, 2020 and is under the care of Oehler Funeral Home.
Gilda Bosco
February 22, 1924 – August 6, 2020
Stuart, Florida: Gilda Bosco, 96, peacefully passed away August 6, 2020. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Emilio.
Loving Mother of Celeste Wegman and her husband Dick Wegman. Cherished Nonna of Rick & April and Tyson & Marcia. Adored Great-Grandmother of Jack & Lucy. Much loved Sister of Roberto, and late Santo, Rosaria, Vincenzo, Giovanina, and Alfredo. Gilda and her famous Italian cooking will be lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews, relatives, and many dear friends.
A message from Tyson Wegman:
Heaven gained another angel yesterday My Nonna, Gilda Molinaro Bosco aka "Non", was called home by the Lord at 9:02 am yesterday morning. She passed away peacefully thank God. Gilda Molinaro came from humble beginnings. Growing up on a farmstead in the country outside of Cosenza, in Calabria - Southern Italy, where she lived with her mother, father and many brothers and sisters, and later, with her to be husband Emilio and to be only child Celeste Wegman . She was a walking miracle from the start. Gilda was a twin, one of two girls. Illness set in and the Doctor was called to the farm. Grave news...Meningitis the Doctor told the family. The Doctor then struck a match stick and proceeded to slowly waive the match in front of the twins eyes as the toddlers lay sick in bed. The Doctor gave the stark news, "This one is going to make it, this one not" Gilda's twin did not...
As Gilda grew into a young woman, she met the love of her life, my very handsome Nonno Emilio Bosco rest his soul. Emilio was different. Unlike so many young, attractive dark hair, dark eyed Italian men, he had light hair and blue eyes. Gilda met her soulmate, love of her life and they knew at the very young age of 13/14 that they would soon marry, when World War Two broke out and my Nonno captured and thrown in prison camp in Northern Africa for 6 years.
For six years without word my Nonna prayed and waited until one day my Nonno came home unannounced by train weighing only 90 pounds. They would soon marry and have an only child, Celeste Michelle Bosco, aka my Mom Gilda would make clothes with a sewing machine shared by many families. They lived a simple life. She yearned for more. She was fiercely driven. My Nonno Emilio was a brick mason in the "Old Country" riding his bike many miles to and from work each day. Gilda asked my great grand Nonno for a little piece of land and when he asked for what she responded "To build a small house" of course the old Italian farmer chuckled as Gilda and Emilio with newborn Celeste had not the money to construct. Gilda being Gilda said "not to worry, if we can have a little piece we will make it happen" and they did.
She asked my Nonno Emilio to bring home bricks in his back sac each day on his ride home instead of money. Overtime, they would amass enough bricks and supplies to build a very small home, with no kitchen at first, having to prepare meals at her parents house on the farm. Non oved sharing stories and memories and I always loved asking about them. Incredible stories and memories of simple Italian farm life. She loved to talk about how her father would awake before 4am to start chores. Mom always shares fond memories of her early childhood in Italy. Emilio would take her, and his red hunting dog "Fiamo", (Fire in ) bird hunting, and mom would carry his bird bag as they spent time together walking the Calabrian countryside.
Gilda always pushed for a better life and wanted to come to America to live the "Proverbial American Dream". Gilda's father, my great grand Nonno, came to the US in the early 1900's, only to return to Italy discouraged. Gilda was determined to do better. Prove that she could. When Gilda was determined, nothing got in her way. Her strength and courage a force to be reckoned with.
So, in 1955, Emilio, Gilda and young Celeste, boarded a ship bound for New York like so many hopeful immigrants before them. Two weeks later, they arrived in NY. Suitcase in hand, they got picked up by Nonno Emilio's relatives to drive, and then settle into life in Chicago land. First living in the Italian neighborhood of Highwood, then later in Deerfield.
Gilda worked tirelessly first at the YWCA, and then as a seamstress, in the back of a hot cleaners all day. I would play sick from school all to often so she would take me to work as a little boy to play in the ravines behind the cleaners. As I write this, I clearly remember vividly the smell of the starches, sounds, heat and steam of the presses...After work in the evenings, tired yet determined to always helping others and getting ahead, she would always have people come by the house dropping clothes off for her to mend. Emilio, a landscaper by day, then would come home tired yet determined as well, would eat dinner, then go be a janitor at the school at night. They both worked at least two jobs. We lost Emilio to lung cancer in 1981. He loved to hunt, and you can see him in one of the pictures holding a couple pheasants with the love of his life Gilda, acting shy hiding behind the tree. They loved spending time together gardening and my Nonno grew prized tomatoes. My Nonno Emilio was a wonderful warm hearted, extremely hard working man and loved Rick Wegman and Ty so much. We lost him to soon...
Shortly after Emilio's passing she lived with us at Eagle Harbor Inn and Cottages in Ephraim, Wisconsin where again, she amazed us by making and selling pillows, out of the old office turned into Gilda's pillow shop. Of course she would also mend clothes, cook and help clean rooms on the side, always hustling our Nonny. I can hear her saying, "Why put off for tomorrow what you can do today" in that beautiful broken English accent we will all cherish and miss.
Few years later, mom and dad sold the resort and we moved to Stuart, Florida and got Non her condo at Island Crest on Hutchinson Island off Jensen Beach where she lived close to 40 years. She loved Florida and always would say how the climate reminded her of Southern Italy and the hibiscus flowers everywhere her beloved Emilio's favorite
She past the years sewing, cooking entertaining family and friends. People always coming and going and always, always, always something cooking on the stove or in the oven. Everyone that ever met Gilda loved her. She had an infections personality to say the least. She sewed until she physically could not as her right thumb became to crooked from all the years (You can see her thumb in the video of her talking about taking care of the poor) to do so having pushed so many needles over time... I will miss holding those precious, hard worked hands so much. The stories they could tell..
Always together with our Chicago, Wisconsin or Canadian extended Italian families, breaking bread and making memories. From Chicago, to Door County WI then to her final home in Florida, Gilda lived a full, long life. She never made it past the third grade but is and was by far the finest woman I have ever known. She always pushed my brother and I can her saying "Get an education". My brother earning a PhD, myself earning a BA. Thank you, Nonny! She pushed herself to learn to write but struggled after Emilio's passing as her writing very poor.
Unbelievably, she always new how to get by. She was brilliant with her warm heart and kindness leading the way.
Nonny taught us how to love unconditionally, how to help your neighbor, the poor and needy, how to work very hard each and ever day no matter your education or background to get what you want. To always take pride in anything you do and give it your best. She taught us how to cook as Gilda was the best chef we have all been around. Those that knew Gilda never left her house not only full but with a ton of to go. Her house was always open, her generosity like nothing I have ever scene. The incredible scents of her cooking drifting about, and a constant wave of friends coming and going, as she would often have her condo windows and doors propped open, AC off, in the Florida heat. "Come in" she would shout in that beautiful voice from her favorite sewing chair if the door happened to be closed. No one is going hungry in heaven and everyone's clothes fit with her new thumb! Her never ending loving kindness, overwhelming generosity for others, her deep love for her family and friends, the countless "words of wisdom" talks and life lessons she gave until the end left a formidable mark on so many.
She was our rock, our beacon of light and hope that fought for and defended all of us keeping us safe in her arms. Family was everything to her. She had a heart of gold and gave and gave and gave and gave. She taught us how to love deeply and compassionately, never missed church on Sunday and loved her friends and family deeply. She taught us you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. Nothing our beloved "Nonny" couldn't do!
She loved America and she was proud to have achieved the "American Dream". You did it, Nonny! She is by far the most incredible person I have known and we miss her very, very much. She will be laid to rest next to her loving husband Emilio at All Saints Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum - Des Plaines, Illinois.
Our hearts hurt terribly but we take great comfort knowing our Nonny is in God's arms. She was tired, it was her time to join her husband, relatives and friends in heaven.
We will continue to share your memories, life lessons, and strive to be more like you each and ever day. I promise Nonny, you will always be remembered and never, ever be forgotten. In your ever so wise words, "After rain, comes sunshine" Until we meet again in heaven Nonny, We love you so so very much. Enjoy the glorious sunshine and everlasting light.
Rest In Peace Gilda Molinaro Bosco February 22, 1924 - August 6, 2020
Contributor: Martin Weybright (47169053)
Gilda Bosco
February 22, 1924 – August 6, 2020
Stuart, Florida: Gilda Bosco, 96, peacefully passed away August 6, 2020. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Emilio.
Loving Mother of Celeste Wegman and her husband Dick Wegman. Cherished Nonna of Rick & April and Tyson & Marcia. Adored Great-Grandmother of Jack & Lucy. Much loved Sister of Roberto, and late Santo, Rosaria, Vincenzo, Giovanina, and Alfredo. Gilda and her famous Italian cooking will be lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews, relatives, and many dear friends.
A message from Tyson Wegman:
Heaven gained another angel yesterday My Nonna, Gilda Molinaro Bosco aka "Non", was called home by the Lord at 9:02 am yesterday morning. She passed away peacefully thank God. Gilda Molinaro came from humble beginnings. Growing up on a farmstead in the country outside of Cosenza, in Calabria - Southern Italy, where she lived with her mother, father and many brothers and sisters, and later, with her to be husband Emilio and to be only child Celeste Wegman . She was a walking miracle from the start. Gilda was a twin, one of two girls. Illness set in and the Doctor was called to the farm. Grave news...Meningitis the Doctor told the family. The Doctor then struck a match stick and proceeded to slowly waive the match in front of the twins eyes as the toddlers lay sick in bed. The Doctor gave the stark news, "This one is going to make it, this one not" Gilda's twin did not...
As Gilda grew into a young woman, she met the love of her life, my very handsome Nonno Emilio Bosco rest his soul. Emilio was different. Unlike so many young, attractive dark hair, dark eyed Italian men, he had light hair and blue eyes. Gilda met her soulmate, love of her life and they knew at the very young age of 13/14 that they would soon marry, when World War Two broke out and my Nonno captured and thrown in prison camp in Northern Africa for 6 years.
For six years without word my Nonna prayed and waited until one day my Nonno came home unannounced by train weighing only 90 pounds. They would soon marry and have an only child, Celeste Michelle Bosco, aka my Mom Gilda would make clothes with a sewing machine shared by many families. They lived a simple life. She yearned for more. She was fiercely driven. My Nonno Emilio was a brick mason in the "Old Country" riding his bike many miles to and from work each day. Gilda asked my great grand Nonno for a little piece of land and when he asked for what she responded "To build a small house" of course the old Italian farmer chuckled as Gilda and Emilio with newborn Celeste had not the money to construct. Gilda being Gilda said "not to worry, if we can have a little piece we will make it happen" and they did.
She asked my Nonno Emilio to bring home bricks in his back sac each day on his ride home instead of money. Overtime, they would amass enough bricks and supplies to build a very small home, with no kitchen at first, having to prepare meals at her parents house on the farm. Non oved sharing stories and memories and I always loved asking about them. Incredible stories and memories of simple Italian farm life. She loved to talk about how her father would awake before 4am to start chores. Mom always shares fond memories of her early childhood in Italy. Emilio would take her, and his red hunting dog "Fiamo", (Fire in ) bird hunting, and mom would carry his bird bag as they spent time together walking the Calabrian countryside.
Gilda always pushed for a better life and wanted to come to America to live the "Proverbial American Dream". Gilda's father, my great grand Nonno, came to the US in the early 1900's, only to return to Italy discouraged. Gilda was determined to do better. Prove that she could. When Gilda was determined, nothing got in her way. Her strength and courage a force to be reckoned with.
So, in 1955, Emilio, Gilda and young Celeste, boarded a ship bound for New York like so many hopeful immigrants before them. Two weeks later, they arrived in NY. Suitcase in hand, they got picked up by Nonno Emilio's relatives to drive, and then settle into life in Chicago land. First living in the Italian neighborhood of Highwood, then later in Deerfield.
Gilda worked tirelessly first at the YWCA, and then as a seamstress, in the back of a hot cleaners all day. I would play sick from school all to often so she would take me to work as a little boy to play in the ravines behind the cleaners. As I write this, I clearly remember vividly the smell of the starches, sounds, heat and steam of the presses...After work in the evenings, tired yet determined to always helping others and getting ahead, she would always have people come by the house dropping clothes off for her to mend. Emilio, a landscaper by day, then would come home tired yet determined as well, would eat dinner, then go be a janitor at the school at night. They both worked at least two jobs. We lost Emilio to lung cancer in 1981. He loved to hunt, and you can see him in one of the pictures holding a couple pheasants with the love of his life Gilda, acting shy hiding behind the tree. They loved spending time together gardening and my Nonno grew prized tomatoes. My Nonno Emilio was a wonderful warm hearted, extremely hard working man and loved Rick Wegman and Ty so much. We lost him to soon...
Shortly after Emilio's passing she lived with us at Eagle Harbor Inn and Cottages in Ephraim, Wisconsin where again, she amazed us by making and selling pillows, out of the old office turned into Gilda's pillow shop. Of course she would also mend clothes, cook and help clean rooms on the side, always hustling our Nonny. I can hear her saying, "Why put off for tomorrow what you can do today" in that beautiful broken English accent we will all cherish and miss.
Few years later, mom and dad sold the resort and we moved to Stuart, Florida and got Non her condo at Island Crest on Hutchinson Island off Jensen Beach where she lived close to 40 years. She loved Florida and always would say how the climate reminded her of Southern Italy and the hibiscus flowers everywhere her beloved Emilio's favorite
She past the years sewing, cooking entertaining family and friends. People always coming and going and always, always, always something cooking on the stove or in the oven. Everyone that ever met Gilda loved her. She had an infections personality to say the least. She sewed until she physically could not as her right thumb became to crooked from all the years (You can see her thumb in the video of her talking about taking care of the poor) to do so having pushed so many needles over time... I will miss holding those precious, hard worked hands so much. The stories they could tell..
Always together with our Chicago, Wisconsin or Canadian extended Italian families, breaking bread and making memories. From Chicago, to Door County WI then to her final home in Florida, Gilda lived a full, long life. She never made it past the third grade but is and was by far the finest woman I have ever known. She always pushed my brother and I can her saying "Get an education". My brother earning a PhD, myself earning a BA. Thank you, Nonny! She pushed herself to learn to write but struggled after Emilio's passing as her writing very poor.
Unbelievably, she always new how to get by. She was brilliant with her warm heart and kindness leading the way.
Nonny taught us how to love unconditionally, how to help your neighbor, the poor and needy, how to work very hard each and ever day no matter your education or background to get what you want. To always take pride in anything you do and give it your best. She taught us how to cook as Gilda was the best chef we have all been around. Those that knew Gilda never left her house not only full but with a ton of to go. Her house was always open, her generosity like nothing I have ever scene. The incredible scents of her cooking drifting about, and a constant wave of friends coming and going, as she would often have her condo windows and doors propped open, AC off, in the Florida heat. "Come in" she would shout in that beautiful voice from her favorite sewing chair if the door happened to be closed. No one is going hungry in heaven and everyone's clothes fit with her new thumb! Her never ending loving kindness, overwhelming generosity for others, her deep love for her family and friends, the countless "words of wisdom" talks and life lessons she gave until the end left a formidable mark on so many.
She was our rock, our beacon of light and hope that fought for and defended all of us keeping us safe in her arms. Family was everything to her. She had a heart of gold and gave and gave and gave and gave. She taught us how to love deeply and compassionately, never missed church on Sunday and loved her friends and family deeply. She taught us you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. Nothing our beloved "Nonny" couldn't do!
She loved America and she was proud to have achieved the "American Dream". You did it, Nonny! She is by far the most incredible person I have known and we miss her very, very much. She will be laid to rest next to her loving husband Emilio at All Saints Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum - Des Plaines, Illinois.
Our hearts hurt terribly but we take great comfort knowing our Nonny is in God's arms. She was tired, it was her time to join her husband, relatives and friends in heaven.
We will continue to share your memories, life lessons, and strive to be more like you each and ever day. I promise Nonny, you will always be remembered and never, ever be forgotten. In your ever so wise words, "After rain, comes sunshine" Until we meet again in heaven Nonny, We love you so so very much. Enjoy the glorious sunshine and everlasting light.
Rest In Peace Gilda Molinaro Bosco February 22, 1924 - August 6, 2020
Contributor: Martin Weybright (47169053)
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