The Eulogy Below Was Read By A Roman Catholic Priest Named Jerry Bresnahan.

It was an unusually warm Thursday for November ninety years ago when August and Rose Chiodo brought their fourth little girl into the world.  If such favorable weather was seen as an omen by August and Rose we do not know, but it is clear now that the day accurately reflected the kindness and warmth in their newborn baby’s heart and soul. She was named Vita after her maternal grandmother.  This name would stick until grade school, when little Vita decided she liked the more Americanized Alvera better.

Alvera’s beautiful and warm heart would be her source of tender affection and kindness for her four children, Ron, Sharon, Tom and Karl, her grandchildren, Kerry, Michael, Ronald, Joseph and Paul, and her great-grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Nicole, Allison and Julia.  She loved her children as much as a loyal mother could.

She found her strength in being devoted to God and living as a good Catholic.  Alvera remained strong while coping with a number of complications over the years, never breaking, not even bending, not once.  Her family came first, even at the expense of herself.  This selflessness would forever be marked in the hearts and minds of her loved ones.

The greatest axiom is to do unto others as you would have done to you.  Through her words and actions this proof of spiritual worth was made manifest.  With a teacher and mother like Alvera, how else could a person act but with selflessness and a purity of character that assures service to others?  Her good work was evident all around her, particularly in her family.

Sharon was Alvera’s shining star.  She was always grateful for Sharon’s undying devotion over the last fifty years, but particularly in these last five.  Sharon’s attention gave Alvera great joy and peace of mind, most likely contributing to Alvera’s reaching the ripe old age of 90.

Of course we do not want to forget the ministrations of Ron, Tom and Karl, all of whom contributed to bettering Alvera’s life in their own unique ways.  There was also Joseph, one of her grandchildren and a close companion of Alvera.  He was a part-time housemate of Alvera’s over these last few years.  During that time they grew very close, almost like mother and son.  He served as her protector when she would fall and did his best to watch over her.  Despite their occasional bickering, Joseph and Alvera loved each other enormously.

December 18th, 2010 marks the beginning of a new chapter.  The return of the original Chiodo family to our Lord is now complete.  August and Rose once again have all of their beautiful children with them - Michael, Helen, Anthony, Rose, Louise, Billy, Carl, Lucile and now Alvera.

Joseph would like to send a special thanks to God for allowing all of us the precious time that we had with each of our departed loved ones.  He would ask that God continue to take good care of them.  They are deeply missed.