Mrs. Philippa T. Borda

May you rest in peace my beloved Granny...Thank you for always being there with your warmth and love, I will love and miss you always xoxoxo

On angels wings Her soul takes flight Across the moon Into the night Upon the wind Her spirit has fled Free from the pain Disease had bred. Her soul is in flight She is heading for home In free easy grace Will her spirit now roam Heartbreak and sadness No longer exist She is floating upward Into heavenly mists Across the stars Her soul takes flight She drifts ever farther From our sights She's going home She'll cry no more tears Released from the worry Released from the fear. Across the dawn Her soul flies on A shadow of pink Greets the rising sun Her heart is light Her spirit is free She soars ever upward Toward eternal peace Bound to the earth An anguished cry We have no wings We cannot fly Blinded by grief As she departs Leaving only her memory Within our hearts. Kristen Burns-Darling (Copyright 2010)

Rest within the arms of the angels at the feet of our Lord Jesus. May our Lord grant peace and comfort to your grieving family and friends.

So sorry for your loss...

Philippa T. Borda (Caputo) 1914 - 2012 Known to us as Phyllis - Mom - Lifelong Resident of Oyster Bay, NY - Member of the Greatest Generation - Parents - Immigrants from Sicily, Italy early 1900s - Student of St. Dom’s and Graduate of OBHS - Married 50 years - Mother of 3, GM-3, Great GM -2 Although none of us goes through this life unscathed, in her near century of life, Mom endured many hardships. Age 16 mos. - Polio left her crippled needing to wear a heavy brace on her right leg. Age 16 years - Mother is bedridden with a stroke requiring 24 hour care. Sister, Mary must quit school and Mom helps out after school. Age 18 years - Mother dies. Age 21 yrs. - Chose to have her leg fused in order not to wear brace. At age 5 yrs., her son, my brother , Stanley, was diagnosed with inoperable brain tumor and suffered the after effects of over radiation. Though others urged Mom to place him in a facility when he required total care, Mom chose the “Road Less Traveled” and cared for him lovingly for 40 yrs. 1994 -Husband, DAD, was killed in car accident. Mom fractures her leg the evening of Dad’s wake and and we spend the night in at Glen Cove Hospital. Mom is put in a cast and cannot attend Dad’s funeral. 1996 -My brother ,Stan, dies of a heart attack at age 45 while Mom is caring for him. . 1997- Mom is diagnosed with breast cancer after a routing mammogran and undergoes a lumpectomy. Mom lived in the family home for most of her life. Told us of the outhouse in the backyard - where the fig tree flourished for years after. She lived through the “Great Depression”, 2 World Wars , saw her three brothers go off to war in WWII. One of her brothers came back forever affected by the war and had to be hospitalized. Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan followed. She saw the inventions of T.V. , Computers, cell phones, microwaves and she saw a man walk on the Moon! Our world has grown darker ... Her shining light has gone out---- But her essence will live within us....the memories, oh what wonderful memories we have! Stricken with polio at 16 mos. of age - she often endured the taunts and teasing of bullies and the stares of adults. Her life experiences toughened her up and taught her compassion for those who are different or less fortunate. Mom truly followed Christ’s teachings. She could not see a person or animal in need and not reach out to help– whether it be hands on or in speaking out on another’s behalf. Even in the Nursing Home, she would often try to help another in need. Mom had a zest for life! Along with her passion for the underdog, Mom had a love of reading, politics, current events, cooking, gardening, poetry, the arts and swimming. She grew up on the beach. But most of all Mom had a love for her family. She was a tigress if ever anything or anyone threatened to harm her children or grandchildren. The Dichotomy of Mom: TENACIOUS & FEISTY, YET SWEET. PATIENT, yet quick to become irate at an injustice. She could be tough and very stubborn on the one hand, yet gentle, humble and modest on the other. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was easy going and loved to laugh till the end. Yet she had a tenacity and strength – where others would crumble. She cared nothing for “girly” things like makeup, shopping or buying clothes. Material things meant nothing to her at all. Her World was her family! She was courageous and brave. She was the most decent, kindest, most compassionate and empathetic person I have ever known. We will miss her terribly. She was a shining example of motherhood..... In the dictionary next to the word “MOTHER” there should be a picture of Phyllis...... My Mother, My Hero!!!!!!

Dear Sue: Our thoughts are with you and yours.

We would like to express our sincere condolences to your family. It has been our privilege to assist you during this very difficult time. If there is anything further we can do, we are here for you. Lou, Nick, Kimberly & Staff Oyster Bay Funeral Home

Dearest Mom, I miss you more every day. You are always on my mind. Love, Sue