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.