The Healing Journey

March 01, 2025

When Marie Rossi Barba Hadjiconstantinou of Milford died last year at 82, her family needed someone to pay tribute to her and deliver a eulogy. Her daughter-in-law Lisa Barba volunteered. She wasn’t a public speaker, but she loved to write humorous, quirky, touching, heartfelt poems in honor of family members, which captured their personalities and idiosyncrasies. When Lisa read her poem at Marie’s service, it got laughs … and it got a lot of tears. We reprint it for you.

In Honor of Marie Hadjiconstantinou

Roses are red and violets are blue — in spite of being a preemie, you lived to be 82.

You had three wonderful children — Joe, Ray and Lee — one was called “golden,” but that’s between you and me.

You were quite the beauty, along with your Mom and two sissies, and when you all got together there’d be many laughs but also some moaning and p—ing.

Marie had three special men in her life — Joe, Jerry and Nick — I wonder if you asked who was her favorite, which one would she pick?

If you went to her house on a Sunday, that sauce would be simmering — if everyone was coming over, her heart would be glimmering.

Marie loved wine, cooking, the beach and getting tan, but besides loving her family, she loved a good-looking man.

You loved to take pictures but not without lipstick — to think they wouldn’t be on Facebook the next day was unrealistic!

Marie had nine grandkids and she loved them all deeply — whenever they came to visit, she would fill their bellies completely.

You loved Italian music, especially the Italian House Party. You loved The Tenors the most maybe because their voices were hearty.

You were a super hard worker, always trying to provide for your kids — you would pick up any extra shirts even if it only paid twids.

Marie had many jobs over the years — waitress, bartender, even worked at Sikorsky, but her greatest job to date was Momma Bear, and if you messed with one of her cubs, you would have hell to fear.

You loved to watch the Yankees, especially Paul O’Neil; you loved his good looks and instead of second base, you dreamed your heart he would steal!

For sure, you were the strongest woman I ever met. How a disease like dementia could touch you is something I’ll never get.

So I hope you’re in Heaven with your Mom, Dad and the three loves of your life — we will be down here, missing you, trying to emulate your great qualities as mother and wife.

***

Rest in peace, Marie (September 14, 1942 ~ December 18, 2024)