New York family keeps grandmother’s memory alive with 100th birthday celebration
Resuming grandma’s tradition
Genevieve Fischetti would squeeze as many of her grandchildren into her car as possible to take them for ice cream. The tradition began decades ago, when she regularly took them to Friendly’s, a family-friendly restaurant and ice cream shop. The tradition continued last weekend, with many of her 16 grandchildren and their spouses and children traveling from various states to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Fischetti, however, was there only in spirit. Her presence was represented by her grandchildren — through the memories in their minds, the love in their hearts, and the ice cream in their bowls. Fischetti passed away in 1998 at the age of 72 years old. Still, each year, her grandchildren gather to celebrate her birthday at Friendly’s as if she was seated right alongside them enjoying a sundae.
“We all decided to keep her tradition going,” said Trisha Burke, one of Fischetti’s three granddaughters. “This is how we keep her memory alive.”
Quesadillas, David Lee Roth and ‘Love, Grandma’ tattoos
Genevieve Fischetti (Fischetti family)
Some of those stories include poking fun at the matriarch of the family.
That has helped keep their grandmother’s distinct voice alive, even in the silliest of ways — like by ordering the foods she used to mispronounce at the restaurant, such as quesadillas.
“We order those every year,” Anthony Fischetti said, “and we pronounce it the same way she did.”
The glue of the family
Fischetti raised eight children – four boys and four girls – on her own. Despite financial struggles, she put herself through school and supported her family by working in the clerical department at Nassau County Medical Center. She lived for her children, and later her grandchildren.
Because of that dedication, and the close bond she established within the family, her 21 great-grandchildren know her well despite having never met her. They’ve been introduced through the stories their parents share during holidays, while on vacation together and at each posthumous birthday celebration.
“She brought all the cousins together,” Patti DeGraff said. “It’s so nice that our kids are also very close now, and if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have that.”
Their grandmother’s 100th birthday celebration drew the annual event’s biggest crowd yet. The day began with a mass at her old church on Long Island. It ended with her grandchildren at Friendly’s just like the old days. This time, though, they required a table for 35 people.
Conclusion
The Fischetti family has found a way to keep their grandmother’s memory alive through their annual tradition of celebrating her birthday at Friendly’s. By sharing stories, memories, and laughter, they have been able to keep her spirit alive, even after she is gone. This tradition has become a way for the family to come together, reminisce, and honor their grandmother’s memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of celebrating Genevieve Fischetti’s 100th birthday?
A: The celebration is a way for the family to keep her memory alive and honor her legacy.
Q: How did Genevieve Fischetti’s grandchildren keep her memory alive after her passing?
A: They would gather to celebrate her birthday at Friendly’s, where she used to take them for ice cream, and share stories and memories of her.
Q: What is the significance of the family’s tradition of celebrating Genevieve Fischetti’s birthday?
A: The tradition is a way for the family to come together, share memories, and honor their grandmother’s memory, keeping her spirit alive even after she is gone.
