Obituary of Ingeburg Guarino

Ingeburg "Oma" Guarino, age 78, went to heaven on December 3rd, 2014. Oma is survived by three children, Ralph Guarino and his wife Sara of Loch Sheldrake, NY; Karen Guarino of Memphis, Tennessee; and MaryAnn Kaplan and her husband Jay of Grahamsville, New York and eight grandchildren: Heidi, Serena, Timmy, Jamie, Michael, Justin, Tara and Brandon, and one great grandson Emanuele. She is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Guarino Sr. and children Peter and Susan Guarino. Oma was born on September 15th, 1936 in Friedburg Germany to the parents of Zita and Peter Walter. "New York – This World Class German Cook and Full Time Grandma's love of her family did not end with her death. In her final week of life, family members from all across the country joined together and grasped one another's hands as they circled the same Thanksgiving Day Table for the first time in many years, and shared heartfelt thanks, prayers, and memories of their deeply beloved "Oma." Inge spent the majority of her life living in Sullivan County, but has family spread through the entire country, and even spanning seas to Italy and her homeland of Germany. Her family always knew her as a very strong person, and even in her final days, she battled against inevitable odds, to be around for one final family gathering, where she was constantly surrounded by her loved ones. Then one night, she decided the time was right to go back home, and there she went. Although "Oma" left her family for Heaven, she most certainly instilled within them a lifelong gift for all to cherish. This gift left her family stronger, and that in its own, is something that not many people can say with confidence: that they are sure they will leave this life with a positive long-lasting impact on their descendants. And this gift was to remind not just her family, but everyone around them, the stone cold fact, that no matter where you are in life, no matter what you are doing, where you are working, who you are spending your time with...family will always be the single greatest thing about you. They will always be there for you in times of need, and will stand strong with you through anything that comes your way. She helped her family realize that people should not just wait until a loved one dies in order to come together in support, but to love and cherish and appreciate every single living moment they have with each other, here, on this earth, while they still can. "She will be greatly missed." Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, December 6 from 10am to 12 noon at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. Her funeral service will then be held at 12:00 noon at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery in Monticello. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com