Forgensi, Delfina Marini Defulgentiis

February 17, 1926 – August 22, 2021

Our mom Delfina Forgensi passed away quietly on a beautiful Sunday morning, August 22, 2021 at the age of 95. She was surrounded with her loving family by her side. Mom is now in the loving arms of her beloved husband, Joseph Forgensi (2005).

Delfina Marini grew up on an extensive farm, known as “La Casata Briscell” in the province of Abruzzo in Italy. The farm was situated on a hill that commanded an unobstructed view of the sparkling blue Adriatic Sea. It was a large household of extended family that included her parents, two sisters and a brother; two aunts and uncles, each with three daughters and a son, as well as her grandmother. Everyone contributed to the household and farm; working the fields, caring for livestock, baking, preparing meals for the help, etc.. Mom went to seamstress school, walking five miles each way with two of her cousins after completing her primary education.

World War II interrupted their idyllic life. They lived under the occupation of the Germans who would often come to the farm to take food, livestock and wine. They had to take cover during the Allied bombings of the nearby German fortification.

After the war Joseph Forgensi wanted to court Mom but she had to wait until her two older sisters were married. When Delfina and Joseph were finally allowed to see each other they were always chaperoned by her mother. They couldn’t touch. In fact they had to sit on opposite sides of the room. Before they were married Mom sewed part of her dowry, making bedsheets, towels, embroidered tablecloths etc.. They were finally married on September 16, 1948, following the local customs and traditions. That meant that her mother couldn’t go to the church ceremony or the wedding dinner.

They had 2 children in Italy. Then Joseph came to the United States and joined his brother Louis. After two years he was able to send for Mom, Piero and Vivian. Mom was lucky to have family here in the United States to help her adjust. They had another child here, Irene. Mom learned English and they all became United States citizens.

Mom kept busy with her family and home. Her days were filled with preparing and cooking food for the family. She made homemade pasta, and canned their homegrown tomatoes, peaches and pears. There would always be a wonderful meal ready for Dad when he came home from work. On Christmas Eve we always looked forward to the Feast of the Seven Fishes and her fabulous variety of traditional Italian desserts. The house would be filled to the brim with relatives. Mom enjoyed visiting with everyone and smiled and beamed through it all.

Mom loved it when any of her eight grandchildren or 15 great-grandchildren visited. She was never happier than when the house was filled with family and she could encourage everyone to “ Mangia ! ”

She has been a major loving presence in our lives and will be greatly missed.

Survived by her children:

Piero Forgensi (Sally Schwartz Forgensi), Vivian Forgensi Capo, Irene Forgensi Hammons

Survived by her 8 grandchildren:

Max Forgensi (Rachael Woods), Jillian Forgensi Anderson (Jeff Anderson), Lana Forgensi Crotty (Joseph Crotty), Christina Capo, Michael Capo (Tiffany Loskill Capo), Daniel Capo, Carla Hammons Schneckenburger (Derek Bettencourt), Jon-Paul Hammons (Katie Beckman Hammons)

Survived by 15 great-grandchildren:

Tindra Forgensi, Kegan Forgensi, Axel Anderson, Jessie Anderson, Erik Anderson, Olivia Crotty, Andrea Crotty, Aliyah Carter, Cassidy Carter, Braedon Capo- Ludolph, Hannah Capo, Alexis Capo, Lucy Capo, Liliana Schneckenburger, Leo Bettencourt

Survived by her sister:

Edelveis Marini

Predeceased by:

Joseph Forgensi (husband), Aminta Ripani (mother), Giulio Marini (father), Aldo Marini (brother), Giuseppina Marini (sister), and Jazmin Carter (great-granddaughter)

Survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews in Italy and the United States.

Calling Hours Tuesday August 31, 4-7PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Mass Wednesday September 1, 11:15AM at Church of the Assumption, Fairport.

Our heart felt thanks to her private aides, doctors and nurses at Strong and Highland Hospitals.


Comments

14 responses to “Forgensi, Delfina Marini Defulgentiis”

  1. Kathy Crotty Avatar
    Kathy Crotty

    A beautiful tribute for a beautiful woman. Rest In Peace, Nona!

  2. Sue Mangefrida Beck Avatar
    Sue Mangefrida Beck

    My deepest sympathies to all the Forgensi family. Mrs. Forgensi is part of my fondest memories from childhood. Keeping you all in my heart.

  3. Attilio Rossi from Italy Avatar
    Attilio Rossi from Italy

    We loved her very much. We pray for her.

  4. Ken Anderson Avatar
    Ken Anderson

    A beautiful, compassionate woman. I always enjoyed talking to her at family events. She was a sweet wonderful lady.

  5. Rosemary Huebner Avatar
    Rosemary Huebner

    May all of your wonderfull memories in the Forgensi family comfort you in this time of sadness. Delfina thrived on the love of her family. God bless her soul.

  6. Meindl Angela Avatar
    Meindl Angela

    Irene and family, so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful life story your mother had. I enjoyed reading it. Cherish all your happy memories of her. I remember fondly as I walked in our neighborhood seeing her sitting on her front porch a few years back and I would stop and chat to her in Italian !! She will truly be missed. The matriarch of your family !! Sincerely,, Angela Meindl.

  7. Victoria M. Peltier Avatar
    Victoria M. Peltier

    I am thinking of all of you who were so much loved by this amazing woman! God bless and keep you safe in the days to come as you celebrate life together. Special hugs to Irene and to Carla, whom I know best from our Campeggio days. You are never alone. You have a guardian angel watching out for you now, truly in peace. Un bacio! Victoria

  8. Cheryl Lieberman Avatar
    Cheryl Lieberman

    I have a lot of fond memories of your mom visiting my grandmother on the front porch speaking only in Italian. My grandmother adored your mother and they were very close. I remember those deserts you speak of as many were shared with our family. My grandmother always said, “Delfina is a wonderful cook!!” My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. It brings me peace knowing that my grandmother will be seeing her beloved cousin and friend again. May the lord wrap his arms around you and give you the strength to get through the tough times ahead. Love you all ❤️

  9. Erin Fine Avatar
    Erin Fine

    Delfina was such an amazing women. I have so many great memories of her, especially celebrating the holidays. She is so missed. May she Rest In Peace. Sending extra hugs, and love to Irene, and Carla ❤️❤️.

  10. Lynne Graupman Avatar
    Lynne Graupman

    What a wonderful tribute/story about your Mom. She sounds like she was a wonderful lady!
    So sorry for your loss.

  11. Kyle Wells Avatar
    Kyle Wells

    Mrs. Forgensi was a wonderful lady and a great neighbor to me and my sister. When we were kids she would always get us a great big chocolate egg for Easter every year. She will be dearly missed by our entire family

  12. Carol Barnes Avatar
    Carol Barnes

    It was a pleasure working with Delfina as a private side. She was a joy to be with and such beautiful family. She will be surely missed. She really loved her family and love having them around. RIP Delfina.

  13. Lori Mancuso Avatar
    Lori Mancuso

    A beautiful tribute to a wonderful women. Mrs Forgensi will be missed by all of us at Pure Panche.

  14. Lori Mancuso Avatar
    Lori Mancuso

    So very sorey for your loss. A beautiful tribute to a wonderful women. Mrs Forgensi will be missed by all of us at Pure Panche.