Rose (Mimi) L. Pardi, 87, widow of Joseph Anthony Pardi (USAF, Ret), passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, December 30, 2020.  Born to Carrie Piazza, she grew up in Pittston, PA, where she met and fell in love with the love of her life. Together, they embarked on a journey of sweet love, laughter, and travel, supporting her husband in his career in the Air Force for over 30 years.  Far away from their immediate family, she made new "family" wherever she went.  Young servicemen and women, new friends with no family, priests from the faith – all were made to feel that her house was their home.

As any Italian family knows the heart of the family is the kitchen.  Mimi was well known for her "sauce" that even to this day, cannot be matched by any of her children.  Cooking was her gift.  Whether it be a big pot of bean soup for the church or feeding her family at Thanksgiving.  She genuinely loved to carry on the tradition of an Italian meal being served with love and a smile.  You could not walk in the house without having something to eat.  "Mangia!"  Once you ate at her table you were family.

In 1968 at Bethel Manor, LAFB, became our home.  While in Bethel Manor many friendships were made, but notably with Bob & Winnie Coy.  Soon Tim, Pat, Mike and Kathi Coy became "her" children, where they remain to this very day.

When we settled in Hampton, our family became members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and her life touched many of the parishioners and priests there (especially her red headed Father Bob).  You could always find her and Dad (and most of our family) in the second row of the church on Saturday nights.

Her three children were her greatest joy and love.  She relished being the best Mom and wife.  She encouraged faith, demanded honesty, and taught us how to love with all of our hearts. For her children, she was their biggest cheerleader … rejoicing in their accomplishments, crying tears with them in their sadness, encouraging always, and never shy to provide her infinite wisdom and advice. Her pride in her family was evident every day. Once again, she made her house a home to everyone.  A fierce friend to those she loved, she was always there to lend her heart.

Her most fervent dream came true and to her utter delight, she was blessed with two beautiful Grandchildren, Austin and Kara.  She won the "life" lottery.  Together with Joe, they became "Mimi and Papa" as their grandchildren became the center of their world. (The rest of us were kicked to the curb). Her love and devotion to them were unparalleled.  And the love and devotion she received back from these two lights of her life was amazing. Her grandchildren were her "everything" and she was "everything" to them.  Kara and Austin were the reason for her smile on her face and the sparkle in her eyes.  The love they have for their Mimi is beyond to the "Moon and Back."

Even at the end of her life while at Sentara Careplex, she made friends with the nurses and doctors.  Her humor was legendary and even as she moved to ICU, these incredible caregivers sought her out, to give her a smile and say hi to "their" Mimi.  The family is deeply indebted to ALL the amazing nurses and staff of Sentara, especially Nancy Durr and Nancy Sullivan, Heather, Danielle and all those whose care was given to Mimi in her last days to make her comfortable and help the family feel at peace.  The OR staff who all came to know Mimi, hold a special place in our hearts.  Dr. Gregory Kim, who gave his all to make sure she had more time with our family, there are no words that can convey our appreciation.

Our family is also indebted to the numerous people who reached out during her illness to lend an ear, a meal, a heart.

Rose is survived by her son, Joe Carl Pardi; daughters, Karen Harrington (John) and Rosanne Ashberry-Howard (Tom); grandchildren, Austin Ashberry (Alexis) and Kara Edwards (Evan) and great-grandchildren, Duke and Jaxon.  She is also survived by her extended family who grieve for her as any child would for their mother.  Services will be for family only in attendance due to COVID restrictions.  Any expressions of sympathy should take the form of contributions to the Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org/donate .

Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, 757-825-8070.