Obituary of Carmela Rose Kmeta

Carmela Kmeta, resident of Northport NY, passed away on Friday April 10, 2020 at the age of 82. Born on September 8, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Rose Ferrara and is survived by her sister Annette Williams. Her husband Walter predeceased her in August 2019. Carmela was the loving wife of Walter (almost 60 years!) , and mother to Diane, Donna, and Dale. She was a grandmother to Giovanna and Hunter, and great grandmother to Ricky, Anthony, Isaiah, and Manolo. Ricky and Anthony were the "apples of her eye". They were her world for many years and they loved her dearly. When people would ask if they were her grandchildren she would always answer yes, never correcting that they were actually great grandchildren. She enjoyed being "ageless". Traveling to soccer games, school events, making sure they did their homework, hosting sleep overs (now that's real love!), anything she could do, she did. "It keeps me young" she would tell us. She was loving but no push-over especially when it came to school. You had flash cards and tutors. Good grades were expected and bringing home bad reports from a teacher was not an option. Staying after school was for a teacher's help with a subject, not for detention. Mom taught us many things growing up like how to ride a bike don't ask, not recommended to try at home) , the best laundry techniques, how to spot a " good buy" when shopping, managing our finances ( hate to admit it but she was usually right) and how to drive (God bless her as it was standard transmission!). Sadly cooking was" not her thing" and we learned on our own. She claimed that she didn't need a kitchen, just a phone for reservations and a microwave oven to reheat. No one would ever describe her as laid back. She was driven, hard working and very savvy when it came to sales, selling cars both professionally and on her own. If you wanted to be successful, hard work and diligence were required. The last 5 plus years have been difficult for her. After the stroke her health was never the same and simple things became a challenge. It was her dry (often unfiltered) sense of humor and family that kept her going. After Dad passed away in August her health declined rapidly. Unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic changed any visiting, but Dale was able to receive special permission to be by Mom's side until she passed. It was quick and peaceful the way she would have wanted it. Mom will be sorely missed not only by her family but by the friends, coworkers, and people she has touched in her life. Burial service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx on Saturday April 18, 2020. Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic, attendance is limited to immediate family only. Funeral mass and a memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers Carmela would have loved any donations be made to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please feel free to add any condolences or memories to this site www.lawrencefuneralhome.com.