I spent the last few days back in Brooklyn for the funeral of Edna Marilyn Zillini, Donna's mother. She passed away last Wednesday at the age of seventy-four and was buried in Brooklyn's historic Greenlawn Cemetery on Saturday.

Marilyn was survived by two sisters (one older, one younger), five children (Debbie, Donna, Edna, Marilyn & George), eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition there were a large number of the extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews present, along with several hundred family friends who viewed the body and extended their sympathies.

If you've ever attended a typical Italian funeral you already know that food was a very important part of the events both Friday and Saturday. I want to thank all the folks who were kind enough to send food, fruit baskets, cheese platters and more cookies & pastries then I ever hope to indulge in again. Special hat tip to "Paulie Provolone" (the family knows who he is) for the amazing spread his catering service provided both days.

Since I started dating Donna in '99 and throughout the past eight years, Marilyn was always kind and respectful. When my own mother passed away a few years ago, Marilyn became "Mom" and a better mother-in-law I could never have wanted. I'm going to miss the yelling up the stairs, "garbage nights" and those indescribable dinners with the entire Zillini clan.

Rest in peace, Mom.