Frances Mazzarella passed away on March 27, 2015, followed by her husband Bennie Mazzarella on April 10, 2015. They were born the very same day 94 years ago.
Though they lived a block from each other in New York City, they did not meet until they were eight, when France’s family moved to the same floor in Bennie’s apartment building.
As children they were playmates, almost like brother and sister. As young adults, their friendship grew into affection. World War II interrupted their wedding plans, but not their love. Bennie served as a Technical Sergeant in the Army Air Corps from April 7, 1942 until Jan. 24, 1946.
After Bennie came home from the war in the South Pacific, the couple courted for two more years while he established himself as a wood craftsman. Then they were married. Sixty-seven years later the two were in home hospice care together and just as much in love as they were on day one.
As the Mazzarellas aged and could no longer live without assistance, they moved from New York to Sebastian to live with their daughter and son-in-law Ann and Al Tetreault.
With the help of the staff of the VNA Hospice House, the Mazzarellas were able to give the Tetreaults a wonderful gift: five days together for a brief vacation to visit other family members. It was the Tetreaults’ first time away together in more than 2 1/2 years. The Mazzarellas made the get-away possible by moving into the Hospice House for “respite care,” a benefit available to the family of any hospice patient.
The Hospice House staff took an immediate liking to the Mazzarellas. Learning that they had never slept apart during their marriage, the staff put their beds together in one room allowing them to lounge and eat in the adjoining room- something of a suite for a sweet couple.
When the Mazzarellas were asked what keeps love thriving for so long, they said, sometimes finishing each other’s sentences and laughing when they do. “We grew up together,” Bennie laughed. “We couldn’t get away from one another. Taking the good and the bad (together) whatever comes up. We’ve just loved one another and it never changes,” said Frances. “And it never will,” Bennie added.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday April 27, 2015 at Fountainhead Funeral Home, 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32909. A Funeral Mass will be held for Frances and Bennie at 11 a.m. Monday April 27, 2015 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 13075 U.S. Highway 1, Sebastian. Interment will follow at Fountainhead Memorial Park, 7303 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32909.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. You may call 1-800-749-5760 or contact by email www.vnatc.com.