A Life Well-lived: Gilda Viggiano’s Joyful Journey

More than 20 years ago I did a tribute to my father-in-law who had passed away way too soon and was an amazing man.  His marriage was one to be admired and it was fair to say that some were worried how his wife, Gilda (Jill) Viggiano would go on without him.  Despite missing Manny every day she went on to live a life filled with love of family and friends; golf and bocce, mahjongg and cards, church and the beach for 23 years. My mother-in-law or mom #2 as I called her passed away Wednesday in hospice care at the age of 92.  My wife Jane along with her sisters Jill and Judy are at peace knowing that their mother was never in pain and ready to re-join her husband.

I know some refer to their in-laws in less than glowing terms but that was never the case for me.  From the time I first met them both on Christmas Eve when I was just 23 we built a wonderful relationship and my mother-in-law made me feel like the son she never had…well almost.  Stealing from what my wife wrote on Facebook she was “fiercely loyal, honest, generous and warm with a sense of humor to rival the best comedians who lived every bit of her 92 years with gusto and enthusiasm.”

Her love of family was evident in her three daughters, 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  She especially enjoyed special moments and never missed a birthday, christening, communion, wedding or graduation.  The smile on her face was enough to light up any room when she was with her family which included six siblings, most of them gone except her only sister Gloria and youngest brother Al.

We will all miss her but I will remember her always for the way she lived and the split pea soup she made for me.  Our family and friends will say goodbye next week but Jill Viggiano will never leave us.