Maria Rosaria Codano
1964-2000

On August 15th, in Italy, they celebrate what is known as Ferragosto. It is a time when all of Italy shuts down and people retire to the countryside, mountains or ocean to live life and enjoy it. On this day, Italians forget all their worries and cares and just enjoy the holiday with laughter and smiles.

Maria Rosaria Codano passed away the day before Ferragosto, August 14, 2000. It was almost as if she had wanted the whole city to be there to remember and celebrate her life, and that is exactly how people remember Rosaria.

Maria Rosaria Codano was a vivacious, lovable woman who lived life everyday to its fullest. As the oldest of three she always taught her brother and sister to have a zest for life. Armando Bisceglia, Fieri Providence’s vice president, remembers his sister as always being there for him. Throughout his childhood. He remembers her as his number one supporter. She always made him feel proud of himself in whatever he set out to accomplish.

Rosaria is the motivation behind this scholarship program. Through her laughter people around her instantly joined in her happiness. Codano's compassion and cheerfulness continued with her through her adult life. She became a middle school theology teacher in Italy in a section of Naples that had a reputation as being a high crime and dangerous part of the city. She however really felt that she could reach those troubled children and help them see the beauty for life as she saw it. Education was an important part of Rosaria's life. She felt that education and family closeness were the keys to a successful and fulfilled life.

Rosaria left behind three children who have struggled to this day to find peace with their mothers passing. Each of her children have dealt with their loss in different ways. One child has truly taken the path Rosaria laid for him and has found his motivation to move ahead through education. Rosaria Codano would have wanted mental peace for her children. This scholarship, while helping students, will also show her family that there is happiness and satisfaction in life. She believed that after losing someone there comes a time to move forward and continue living a happy life.

Codano was the bond that held Armando's family together. Her belief was that there is always a better level to attain in life. There is always more and no one can accomplish that alone. Self-esteem, self-belief and self-motivation can be easily achieved with the help of family.

Maria Rosaria Codano left a legacy that can never be forgotten. She left a sense of realization that life is what it is and there is nothing a person can do to change it. Unfortunately cancer does happen and it is inevitable, but the one most important thing to remember is to move forward and continue with the life that is ahead.

Rosaria would have been right here with FIERI if she were here today. Her enthusiasm for education and family would have made her a genuine asset to FIERI Providence and our endeavors. Through the Maria Rosaria Codano Scholarship, FIERI can teach everyone that life is to be celebrated. FIERI Providence will continue to award students with this scholarship as we continue to grow as an organization. Because of Maria Rosaria Codano's legacy and our generous sponsors, FIERI can reach out to those students that are finding their motivation to succeed and continue moving forward from a tragic situation to a life of happiness and fulfillment.

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