Mrs. Clara Graziano Coppola

....A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It bring us together again and again........Maya Angelou Clara Coppola peacefully passed away on April 3, 2019. She was 88 years old. Clara was born May 2, 1930 in the family home on 7 State Street in Otisville to Frank and Catherine LaPorta Graziano. She would go on to live there almost her entire life. Clara lived a simple and humble life. She was gracious and kind to all who knew her. She spent her days in countless acts of kindness for her family and loved ones. She sacrificed everything, gave up everything and endured everything for those who were dear to her. She truly was devoted to her family. She was an excellent, natural Italian cook. Her meatballs were famous in our family and beyond! We could smell her frying them from miles away and we would rush to her kitchen to indulge ourselves before they disappeared. Always, without fail, she would have a bowl of them on the table! Never made it to the sauce pot! If you are lucky enough, you own an item she crocheted and a Christmas cactus that came from her ‘Mother’ cactus, now about 80 years old!! We learned about life and all of its treasures from this gentle soul of a woman. You would always come away with a new perspective, with that safe feeling that you would be alright because she told you so, and you knew you could trust her with all of her being. She was just the GREATEST GIFT! Clara is survived by her only son, Anthony M. Coppola, Sr. (Antoinette), Grandchildren-Anthony M. Coppola, Jr. (Christina), April Barschow (Shawn), Greatest JOYS of Her Life, Great Grandchildren - Ayden Barschow, Giuliana, Charlotte, Dominick Coppola, Natalie Cunningham. Also surviving are her very dedicated and grateful nieces who relied on her heavily for ‘Motherly’ advice: Lois, Elaine, Eileen, Rose, Pauline, Tara, Carmen and Jane. Clara was predeceased by her husband, Charles A. Coppola. She was the only one left of seven siblings: Angelina, Palma, Louise, Mary, Benny, Angelo and Vince. She did them all proud by continuing relationships with their children. For about a year now, Clara has lived at the Highland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She called it “HOME”. It became HOME because the very exceptional, dedicated and compassionate Rehabilitation Staff embraced her and made a difference in her life. Christine, Silfia, Terry, Lisa, Heather-and her wonderful friends Chris and David-she loved you all. We are so grateful. There will be no visitation. A mass of Christian Burial take place on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at Holy Name of Jesus RC Church, 45 Highland Avenue, Otisville, NY at 11am with Father Mike Palazzo officiating. In lieu of flowers, monetary contributions are suggested to help offset funeral costs. Please mail to: Anthony Coppola, Sr., PO Box 276, Otisville, NY. 10963. In fond memory of Clara, and to Honor her legacy, FRY UP A BATCH OF MEATBALLS AND PUT EM’ ON THE KITCHEN TABLE! EVERYONE FOR THEMSELVES!

Mrs. Clara Graziano Coppola

May 2, 1930 - April 3, 2019