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Carole R Testa
Beloved Mother, and Grandmother, 84
Mrs. Carole R. (nee Mole`) Testa, 84, of Nutley, NJ, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville. Because of current health advisories, there will be a private family visitation and burial at East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton.
Mrs. Testa was born in the Bronx, NY and resided in Nutley for the past 62 years. Along with her late husband Allan, they were co-owners of Bud’s Hut and Allan’s Place in Nutley.
She is survived by her beloved children Karyn Michalski and her husband Joseph, Suzanne Damiano and her husband Joseph, and Allan (Buddy) Testa and his wife Laura; and his cherished grandchildren Jacquelyn Michalski, Francesco Damiano, Joseph Spencer Damiano, Ariel Testa and Louis Testa.
Mrs. Testa is predeceased by her husband Allan Testa (2008).
Memories of Carole Testa:
Suzanne: Nothing made my mom happier than family. Always eager to hear about her grandchildren and what was going on in their lives. The holiday dinners where we all came together to enjoy each other and the meal. Quiet in her ways but always there to answer my questions and to remind me of things I may have forgotten. Hard to let her go but blessed to have her as my mom.
“Don’t forget to call me when you get home”.
Francesco (suzanne’s son): As I started college, Grandma began to lose her mobility. Although this was upsetting for a woman who loved to be in the lives of her grandkids, she could still find satisfaction in all of our achievements. She was delighted to know that where I was attending college was right in her old neighborhood. She was a proud New Yorker, and there was a sense of satisfaction to know that the streets I walked then were the very same she traveled about growing up; A connection, separated, not by distance, but only time. She would ask me what the neighborhood was like now, and if certain shops were still there. She longed to see it now for herself, but was frustrated as walking became difficult.
Then, as my junior year started, she made the unexpected visit up to Arthur Avenue. And with her arm wrapped in mine, she showed me the neighborhood she once knew. We stopped by Full Moon Pizza, past the family bakeries, and into the Arthur Ave Food Market. We walked the blocks carefully, her head held high, and her eyes wide and absorbing, swaying between her world of then and mine now. As we returned to my
apartment, she squeezed my arm to let me know how happy she was that we could share this. And I can still feel her hands now.
Ariel & LouisTesta: Grandma Carole lived a very simple life. It didn’t take much to make her happy—a phone call. which, 99% of the time, she would be watching QVC, or a simple surprise visit. Grandma always wanted to talk and hear stories about what’s going on in your life. She was always glad to hear from her grandchildren one way or another. I will forever miss leaving her house, pulling out of the driveway and waving to her every time, whether it was raining or snowing, she would always watch us drive away.
She loved her family more than anything and she will truly be missed.
Joseph Damiano: My mother-in-law Carole Testa was a loving and caring Person to everyone that knew her.
I first met Carole 34 years ago while dating my future wife, her loving daughter Suzanne. She always made me feel welcomed and comfortable from the very first time we met. I'll never forget Carole's big Beautiful smile and soft voice as she always greeted me with the same "Hello Joseph how are you!" A warm greeting that lasted 34 years.
Over the years as I got to know Carole better, I quickly realized her greatest enjoyment was always the time spent around her Family, particularly the holidays at the dinner table as we all craved her delicious homemade prime rib, and I will miss her signature stuffed mushrooms which were second to none! She was always concerned about each one of us, & made sure to ask us what was new in our lives & offering her caring advice and wisdom to us.
Although she will be greatly missed, her endearing memory & love for us, will be cherished and passed on to future generations.
We are all Blessed to have Carole in our lives, and am forever grateful for the Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and caring person she was to our entire family.
Spencer Damiano: My Grandma, or as I like to call her G-Ma, was a big part of my life. She was always taking an interest in her grandchildren's lives and always wanted to know what we were up to. The thing I will remember most about G-Ma was the way she always looked out for me. She always had my back, even as a little trouble maker. Whether it was giving me the courage to always be myself, or giving me 5 dollars for ice cream, she was always in my corner. Her warm personality transcended throughout her entire house, giving the comfort that only G-Ma's house could. I will always remember talking with her while she sat in what I called, "G-Ma's corner." Her presence will be missed, but the impact she had on all of us will not be forgotten. Just like her famous stuffed mushrooms, as long as we continue to share and pass down her teachings, she will always live on through each of us. Although she is no longer with us, I know she is in a much better place reunited with Grandpa.
I love you G-Ma.
Your G-Son
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