As a loving tribute to mothers everywhere, our May’s Legacy Program spotlight focuses on the legacy of Rosie Sebastiano. Her children have chosen to celebrate her life with a commemorative brick here at the St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Since the Museum was Rosie’s “happy place,” her children know that they can visit and remember her here. We appreciate that they shared their unique story with us:
Now we can meet in your favorite place. We love you, Mom
“Rosie Sebastiano, a mother of four and a retired NYPD police officer, would light up any room that she entered. Everyone that knew Rosie knew what it was like to be unconditionally loved. Rosie always put children first and ensured that they were always taken care of. Not only was she the most amazing mother, she was also a woman that always exuded compassion and bravery up until her last days. After serving in the NYPD for 20 years and assisting during the attacks of 9/11, it was our mother’s dream to move to St. Augustine, Florida, and build her dream home.
Unfortunately, our mother only got to live in Saint Augustine and enjoy her home for four short years before succumbing to 9/11-related cancer. Although her life was cut short, she always considered St. Augustine as her happy place. Even though our mother is no longer here, we still visit St. Augustine from time to time because it is where we feel closest to her. Our mother’s love and energy is always felt strongest when we visit town. We are at peace knowing that her memory and her legacy will forever be connected to her happy place.”
The Development team is fortunate to be able to provide the “backstory” of the Legacy Program, whether a brick, paver or other memorial. Each memorial has a story to tell! Some are reminders of celebrations or memorials honoring friends and loved ones. As Rosie Sebastiano’s daughter so eloquently expressed, “when thinking of the perfect way to honor our mother, Rosie, we knew that purchasing a legacy brick at the St. Augustine Lighthouse would be the perfect way to honor our beautiful mother and keep her memory alive.” We would be honored for you to choose the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum as a place to leave a legacy as well.
For information on the Legacy Program of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, please visit our website by clicking here or by reaching out to our Legacy Program Coordinator, Karen Moore, by email or by calling 904.829.0745 extension 245.
