Easter is a very big deal here in Italy. So big that it takes up just about an entire week. Yesterday was Palm Sunday, then there’s Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Pasquetta (Little Easter) which is totally not religious, but mostly about having a picnic with friends (because you’ve spent WAY too much time with your family by that point.) In between there is Ash Wednesday, and I think that even Thursday is holy in some way.
Me? Being the lapsed jew that I am, I’m mostly excited about dying eggs and figuring out how to take advantage of all the great spring produce. We used to always head to Umbria for Easter, but now that Domenico’s mom is getting on (94!) it’s easiest if we just head down to Bari. One constant in our Easter celebrations has been my friend Jane. If you read my blog, then you know that Jane has been one of my best friends here in Rome for over 25 years and Easter was our holiday. She and her family have spent it with us in Bari, in Todi and – when the kids were little – in Rome. Even when no one else was really interested in dyeing eggs, Jane and I would set things up and get everyone into the spirit.
I have many many more memories of Jane, who passed away this past Friday, than just Easter. But Easter, with all the eggs, ridiculous animal shaped chocolate, wild asparagus foraging, flower picking and general prettiness of the holiday was a day – or week – that was our favorite. She even stood in for me, being the the daughter-in-law Domenico’s mom never had, but taking Rosa to mass.
The food was important too. But it was the being together doing fun, pretty and sometimes silly stuff (decorating the Easter bush that only we really cared about) that I will miss most.
So for Jane. Here are some recipes I’m going through, trying to get into the spirit and decide what to cook this year. But mostly, here are some photos that Jane – or as she was better known in our Italian family “Janey” would have loved..
Lasagna with Artichokes for Easter
Asparagus and Mushroom Lasagna
Asparagus and Ricotta Brushetta
I am so sorry for your loss. Truly.
Just for reference’s sake, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent 40 days before Easter. Buona Pasqua!
Elizabeth,
I am so saddened for you and your family by this news of the passing of your dear friend Jane. What a beautiful tribute in photos to her.
Thank you for sharing them.
Warmest thoughts
Helen
So sorry for your loss.
A sweet and lovely tribute to your dear friend.
I love your blog and read it religiously, since I’m planning a trip to Italy in the fall of this year. I thought I’d let you know that Ash Wednesday is not in the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, but rather is 40 days before Easter. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of lent in the Catholic faith and if you happen to live or be in New Orleans, Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday! Very confusing, I’m sure, for a lapsed Jew, but impressive that you got the rest of it correct! 🙂
Thank you! It is very confusing.
Dear Elizabeth,
So sorry to read about the death of your dear friend, Jane. I wish you comfort and consolation from the many memories you have and the pictures you took of great and happy times.
Sincerely, Anne
For me Easter in Italy is so intertwined with the Minchilli’s and the Gudgeon’s, who so graciously invited us into your celebrations only a few short years ago. I almost can’t bear the thought of not dying eggs together in the morning and helping to set the table easter lunch with your combined collection of decorations, but. I am digging out my long packed away silly ducks and chicks and lambs and have bought plenty of white eggs to dye this year. For Jane.
Condolences to you and Jane’s family…It is so very hard to lose a friend. I’m sure her spirit will be there and she would smile at these beautiful vignettes you have posted.
Buona Pasqua…..
Elizabeth, all the most condolences to you for your friend Janey…for sure she will be missed…PS I always do an Easter egg tree with feathered birds too…I don’t take it apart until Spring is over…
I’m sorry for the loss of your friend Jane. What a beautiful way to honor her memory!
Dear Elizabeth, I’m so sorry that you lost your friend Jane. And I’m so glad that you have so many happy memories of your friendship and the silly and wonderful things you did together. May these great memories sustain you in the weeks ahead as you mourn her.
Best,
Alicia
So very sorry for your loss, Elizabeth. The Easter bush is beautiful.
So, so sorry about your loss…I know how painful it is to lose a forever friend. These photos and recipes are a truly beautiful tribute…sending hugs from California…
Wishing you happy memories to fill the hole in your heart. How fitting that Jane slips away at Easter! May she enjoy the fulfillment of Heaven.
Oh my…I am so very sorry to hear that your precious friend Jane has passed away…please accept my sincerest condolences & sympathy!
I can only hope that the wonderful memories you have of Jane will temper your heartbreak & the great loss that you are feeling. Please know that I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers in the days & weeks ahead.
Warm regards,
Joanne
(gojojo22 on Instagram)
Friends become family and losing them leaves a big empty spot in our lives. Worst thing about getting older.
Sincere condolences to you, Elizabeth. Thank you for the lovely pictures and memories.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. LOVE AND PRAYERS.
I am so sorry for your loss Elizabeth. It is the hardest thing to lose such special friends like Jane. It sounds like you had some amazing shared memories you will treasure forever. Take care
A lovely tribute to a beloved friend – we’re sad for you. Remembering our wonderful time in Monti,
Donna and Terry
I am so sorry for your loss. Your photos and recipes are a lovely tribute to your good friend.
Lovely post. Thank you
Elizabeth,
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful testimony you have written in honor of your friend and chosen family member. Thank you for sharing her with us. I’ve heard that there is an annual Spring holiday (I don’t remember which one) where firefighters in Rome ascend to the oculus at the top of the Pantheon and throw rose petals that descend to the floor, shimmering in the light from that great dome. This spring, I think that would be a fitting tribute to your own Janey. Take care.
Dear Elizabeth,
We were saddened to read about the loss of your dear friend Jane. It is obvious she was very dear to you and your entire family. You honored her life and your friendship with this wonderful and touching post.
Thank you for sharing the photos and your homage to Jane with us.
You, your lovely family and Jane’s family will be in our thoughts.
Buona Pasqua,
Ann Marie Fretts
So sorry you have lost such a special friend. A long history of friendship is irreplaceable.
I am so very sorry for your loss, Elizabeth. Friends are such precious gifts and losing one creates an empty space in one’s heart. Sending you strength and prayers…..
So very sorry for the loss of your dear friend, Elizabeth. I’m sure you will see her in all the colored eggs, flowers, and delicious spring foods this week. May the memories carry you through this first Easter without her.
Dear elisabetta
I am so sorry for your loss. I know the sadness in ones heart when their dearest friend leaves
I hope this Easter brings a flood of memories to you and yours.
I love that you are in Bari
Family friends love great food. my mom was born in Altamura.
Buona Pasqua
“Eat, Pray, Love”! What a beautiful tribute to Jane and your special friendship.
So sorry for your loss. May fond memories of happy occasions and special times shared ease your sadness.
I am so sorry for your loss. Janey looks like a good friend. I love the purple coat with the dark blue purse! Happy Easter and Happy Passover, when it comes!
Dear Elizabeth,
So sorry to hear about your friend, Jane.
What a lovely tribute you have written for and about Jane.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
x
A
That last photo says it all. Fare thee well dear friend.
Oh Elizabeth, I am so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful post and I am sure Jane would have appreciated it. I will keep your recipes on file for our Easter in France. Sending you *hugs from Florence
So sorry for the loss of your dear friend. What a beautiful tribute!
A lovely, moving tribute to your friend, so sorry for your loss. And I’d just like to say thank you for this blog, it helped me a lot when I first moved to Rome and even though I’m now back in the UK I still love reading it, it is so evocative and brings back lots of memories! Happy Easter x
A lovely tribute to your dear friend.Sincere condolences and wishes for peaceful hearts as you celebrate in her memory.
A beautiful tribute, may her memory be a blessing…
Ohhh Elizabeth, how sad to lose your good friend, I’m so sorry…
My deepest sympathy on the death of your friend, Jane. Your beautiful pictures were a nice tribute to her. Thoughts and prayers for both families.
Elizabeth,
I am sorry about your special friend.
I have chosen not to stop talking with two friends who died too early and who I miss dearly. I ask their advice when I am confused, sad, or angry. I share with them my excitement about a new discovery or adventure. I look at their pictures and say, “Hello” , I wish them Happy Birthdays and tell them tlhat I miss them.
Jane was lucky to have you as a friend. She is still there for you. Talk with her, you’ll see.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your memories will keep Jane with you always.
Dear Elizabeth…such a sad time! Thank you so much for not only sharing some of your treasured photos of Jane, but also some of the memories the two of you shared. Losing someone so close hurts right down to our toes. My thoughts go with you.
Elizabeth, I fell behind on reading e-mails and just now read of the loss of your good friend, Jane. I am so sorry. What a beautiful tribute to her, it sounds like your friendship was one to be treasured. I am sure she will be looking down on you this Easter Sunday and will certainly be there, when you celebrate the beauty of the day.