Tribute

Tribute to Mema Addy, written by her beloved Granddaughter, Serena Finney: How do I begin to encapsulate the type of woman Adeline Patti Calise was, more commonly known as “Mema Addy” to her friends and family? To say Mema was a force to be reckoned with is an understatement. I see her as a force of nature, a true New York City original lady. Her spirit is admirably bright, with an unwavering spirit, just like the beautiful city she grew up in. She would often say, "I am from the Upper West Side, but not uptight!" Most of us thought she just might live forever- we knew she was not immortal, but her sheer grit and often stubborn love seemed just enough to defy the ordinary course of life. To me, Mema Addy's toughness was never a set hard shell. Though her grit was a bedrock throughout the many different variations of her life, she was the most vibrant, hilarious, and generous soul I ever had the pleasure of coming across- to anyone, she was a pleasure to meet. She defined resiliency- a bounce-back (though at times might have been rocky) from every setback she faced in life, with a sharp wit and even sharper solution. Mema Addy was always armed with a story that would make you authentically laugh. She brought smiles to so many faces. Mema was one of the strongest women I have ever known. She was strong enough to carry the weight of a crazy lifetime. Strong enough to bring laughter to a celebration of life for my father through her eccentric & profound poetry. Strong enough to laugh off the misfortunes of heartbreak and create stories from those that I hold dear to my heart. Now, Mema Addy is strong enough to never let her spirit fade, even though the lights of life feel a little bit dimmer with her gone. To me, Mema Addy was famous. Famous for her uncoordinated kitchen dances to “Sweet Virginia”, famous for her unexpected, and at times out of pocket jokes that left the entire room giggling, and famous for her refusal to ever take life too seriously. Mema Addy was radically generous. It spanned deeper than money and things; it was a continuous generosity of herself. She gave her honest opinion (regardless of whether you wanted it or not), her last dollar, and countless hours of her time. Her heart, though complicated, was always open to those she loved. Though the physical presence of my beloved Mema is no longer in this life, the light she cast on this world remains. Mema Addy's spirit, that tough, hysterical, and unforgettable New York spirit, never faded. Perhaps it found a home in me as I embark on my own resilient journey in life. May you rest in peace, our Sweet Adeline. How lucky we were to have known your unconditional love. Happy Trails, Mema!

Friends & Family

Gina Calise (Finney,) Daughter, Maxwell George (Finney), Grandson, Jordan Stuart (Finney), Grandson, Serena Calise (Finney), Granddaughter, Mikaela Jean (Price), Granddaughter, Sara Rachel (Price), Granddaughter, Julia Schaff, Niece, Mighty Dave Pellicciaro, Nephew, Andy Pellicciaro, Nephew and her Great Niece and Nephew, Kyra (baby Noa!) & Dylan.