Ida Dimuro

Life With Mama: A Tribute By The DiMuro-Morris-Jiminez Family Ida DiMuro kept lists - she was the consummate record-keeper. Not just for the sake of staying on top of events, people, and even groceries, but out of a genuine and meticulous care for others. She was a family archivist. She was a trivia queen. She was a steel-trap memory - for better and for worse. It was not uncommon to receive random phone calls from family and friends with a question about a piece of random family history or the name of an actor in an obscure 1940's movie. If there is one thing Ida loved most, it was the care for and keeping of people. Whether husband, daughters, and grandchildren, or the local librarian, or a new face in the pew, she always invested most of her time in those around her. In celebration of this great woman, we have chosen to commemorate her life in the way she would have chosen - a list. Here is a brief, but truthful snapshot of the Ida we know and love. Part I: Candidness "Let your love be sincere - without hypocrisy; hate what is evil, but hold fast to what is good." - Romans 12:9 "Honesty is the best policy." Miguel de Cervantes Ida DiMuro shot straight from the hip - whether you liked it or not. When you were speaking to Ida, you were getting her absolute, 100% honest opinion. Not one to put on airs or concerned with impressing others, she spoke her heart. Like in the days of the Roman emperors, when consulted for her opinion in any matter, small (like Judy Garland's acting qualities) or large (like American politics), she would simply give a thumbs up or down - never in between. All things were black and white, to Ida. Her presence brought life to any room and energy to any conversation. Ida was fun. Ida was feisty. Ida was one of a kind. She was herself and never sought to be anything but that. Part II: Generosity "Let each one give as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." - John Bunyan Ida DiMuro was a giver - of time, of money, of her home, of herself. With graciousness and warmth, she left the door of her home and her heart wide open to anyone who might happen by. "Sit down, I just put up a pot of coffee!" she would say, and people - from all walks of life, without being judged or questioned - would soon find themselves drawn cozily up to the table, asking for one more cup and shooting the breeze well into the wee hours of the night. 2532 Eastchester Road was a cramped little house, with nothing special to catch the eye, but it was like a lighthouse in the dark, grittiness of The Bronx. For nearly fifteen years, Ida and Sal (aka peanut butter and jelly), opened their doors - twice a week - to close to forty Bronx believers. They spent those long evenings delving into The Word, fellowshipping with laughter and music and of course - a cup of coffee. Family members and friends from down the street - or from across the country - felt no qualms about dropping in at any time of the day, for no reason at all, and staying as long as they wanted. Anyone and everyone was welcome at Ida's table. Part III: Devotion "Do nothing from factional motives or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility let each regard the others better than and superior to himself. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not merely his own interests, but also each for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4 "My meaning simply is, that whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do well; that whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself to completely; that in great aims and in small, I have always been thoroughly in earnest." - Charles Dickens Ida DiMuro didn't just "like" things. When she loved something, she threw her entire being into it. Ida loved books. As befits her, she kept a running record for nearly thirty years of every book she ever read - with her own rating system to boot. Ida loved to stay in touch with people she loved. As everything else in her life was well-documented, so were her family and friends, in a thorough and detailed address book from which she sent every birthday card, Christmas greeting, and thank you note right on time. She loved games and card-playing - and she was great at them. For nearly ten years she met weekly with her three girlfriends, dubbed the "Canastettes" in honor of their favorite card game, canasta. To this day, a set of card-themed coffee mugs graces her table. Ida loved her family. It was not unusual to find a little something special, that she chose just for you, when you arrived at her house - a treat you especially craved, a particular toy she knew you would like, a spontaneous trip to the library - just because. She was the quintessential grandma - spoiling and hugging and always thinking of ways to bless. Ida loved Jesus. She faithfully served the Lord, in her hospitality towards others and her consistent sowing of seed into countless ministries and missions to advance the Kingdom of God. She boldly - and candidly - shared the Gospel with relatives and friends, some of whom became born again. There are few words - even in Ida's immense vocabulary - that describe our feelings of loss and sadness. We already miss her. But, though her presence is gone, her fingerprints remain stamped on all of our lives. And yet, we have great hope and joy. We know exactly where her new house resides - on a street paved with gold - and we're fairly certain that it far exceeds the bounds of 2532 Eastchester Road. We are blessed to have called her wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and matriarch of our family. We look forward to seeing her soon. -

Visitation Details

Sunday, September 16th, 2012 2:00pm - 2:45pm, Joy Christian Fellowship

Service Information

Sunday, September 16th, 2012 3:00pm, Joy Christian Fellowship

Interment Details

Sunset Memory Gardens