Melissa Fumero Instagram – My great aunt Gisela passed away a few weeks ago. Rumor has it she was 99, but she never told anyone her age so we’ll leave it at that. This tiny force of a woman never stopped moving… whether she was painting, drawing, cooking, telling a story with her whole body, or giving you a bear hug so hard you thought she might break your bones. I can remember begging my parents “please can you tell Tia not to hug me, it hurts!” And as I got older I loved those hugs so much and marveled at her strength. Red lipstick and always fashionable, often with the best fun jewelry or a scarf, Tia Gisela had style. She was an artist and she dressed the part. I think her art made me believe I could also pursue the arts. Like it was possible even if I was pursuing a different medium. My Tio was also an artist, a scupltor- we would spend most Saturdays at their house in Queens when I was a kid. Playing off the wall in their driveway with my brother and cousins. Poking around Tio’s studios looking for a tennis ball. Everyone gathered in their basement laughing and eating Tia’s delicious food. I have the best memories with her. I wish I would’ve visited her more in my adulthood when I still lived in NYC, but I was still young and dumb. I’m proud to have her art in my home. Rest in Peace Tia. I think I’ll start wearing little scarves more often. 💗✨