Ida Covucci, age 100 years, of Fort Myers, FL, died peacefully at home on Friday, January 7, 2022.

Born in Scranton, PA, March 15, 1921, daughter of the late John and Tecla Regla Shanoski, Ida had lived in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Stormville, NY prior to retiring to Ft. Myers, FL.

An independent woman with a fierce determination that was well ahead of her time, Ida was a grounded by her catholic faith and love of family. It was this determination that lead to her serving her country as a member of the United States Navy. After being honorably discharged, Ida and her beloved husband, George, created a family that would bring Ida joys far beyond her wildest dreams.

Having three boys running around the house-George, John and Michael-only made Ida stronger. She cherished being a ‘boy mom’ and the trio was raised with the practical and social values provided to them by their mother’s Polish background and their father’s Italian background. Ida believed in education and did whatever she needed to see that her sons received not only the best education, but truly understood the value of what they were experiencing.

With each of her boys finding their life partners, Ida would be ‘promoted’ into two roles that she cherished, being a Grandmother and Great Grandmother. This promotion allowed Ida to impart family history and traditions to the next generations, including her passion for education. Her love of cooking and ensuring that family meal time brought everyone together is a large part of her legacy in sharing of traditions. The recipes and traditions, from picking fresh basil with her grandkids, turning it into pesto and then feeding everyone, to baking her famous chocolate chip cookies and brownies, will not soon be forgotten.

She and George were proud to be the Matriarch and Patriarch of the family, showing the younger generations what true love and marriage was really all about by being a living example to others. Complimenting the other in all regards, Ida and George were, “two peas in a pod” whose sum was greater than their parts. They never went for a walk without holding hands or spent a day where they did not celebrate the other. Sadly, George passed suddenly in 2004, leaving Ida devastated. However, true to her personality, Ida was determined to live for him and ensure the younger generations knew the amazing man their grandfather was and how he shaped their world for the better.

A member of the Italian-American Club of Cape Coral, Ida enjoyed gardening, doing crossword puzzles, reading anything and everything, and discussing politics.

With a wit and advice for any circumstances, Ida would most likely wish for all those reading this to not be sad, and take heart that she lived a full life and is now reunited with her beloved George in the place promised in John 14. She would also surely want everyone to celebrate not her death, but rather her life, and remember her and live for her in the following way, “Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief, so dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be.Because, I will remember you all and look on with a smile. Understand, in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.” Rest in the sweetest peace, Ida.

Surviving are her three sons and daughters-in-law, George and Sue Covucci, John and Mary Covucci and Michael and Antoinette Covucci; her ten grandchildren, Phyllis, Jenna, Christopher, David, Michael, Matthew, Andrew, Amanda, Nick, and Kevin; her ten great grandchildren, Connor, Eddie, Claire, Rebecca, Jacqueline, Dominic, Hugh, Ava, Eleanor, Emily Ida; her special friends, Linda and Mark Zulovitz; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

***KINDLY NOTE THE DAY OF SERVICES HAS BEEN MOVED FROM MONDAY TO TUESDAY***

Ida will lie in repose on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated by the family.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Matthew Marinelli will take place on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Noon at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ.

Following mass, Ida will be entombed with her beloved husband, George, at St. Magdalen Mausoleum, North Main Street, Flemington, NJ, and to which all are welcomed.

You are encouraged to visit Ida’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to St. Magdalen Church, via mail to 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ 08822 or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”