SOUTHPORT — On April 19, 2024, Carla Myslewicz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She fought bravely for years with unwavering resilience and optimism.
Carla is survived by her loving husband, Carl Myslewicz; daughters, Laura Salamido and Maria Weese; her brother, Jody Salamido; and her cherished grandchildren, Emma Weese, Anita Harrington, Meagan Weese, and Caleb Weese. As her grandchildren, we have the great privilege of sharing her life story.
Carla, affectionately known as “Nona,” was born on October 9th, 1946, to Joseph and Chelda Salamido in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Nona shone bright from the very beginning. After the launch of Sputnik in 1957, America began placing their smartest pupils in accelerated classes. She, of course, was included. She excelled academically and athletically, becoming a city champion in girls ping pong and leading her volleyball team to victory. Her intelligence and determination were evident from her school days, where she met her beloved husband, Carl Myslewicz, with whom she shared 58 years of unwavering love and partnership. A love affair for the ages!
In addition to her academic and athletic achievements, Carla’s zest for life led her to pursue various passions. She was a devoted athlete, mastering sports from golf to tennis well into her later years. Carla’s dedication extended beyond the sports field. She nurtured her family, devoting herself to her daughters until they were settled in school. Later, she pursued a career in nursing, displaying compassion and skill as a hospice nurse, restaurant owner, and Nurse Practitioner. Her journey took her across continents, including a memorable medical trip to China, where she immersed herself in their healthcare practices.
As a Nona, Carla embraced her Italian heritage with passion and warmth. She shared her love through meticulously crafted meals and cherished family traditions. Her kitchen was a place of laughter, love, and culinary mastery. From her signature meatballs to her perfectly al dente pasta, Carla’s cooking was a source of joy and comfort for all who gathered around her table. She taught us that the trick to the perfect French toast is a little bit of Grand Marnier and to keep rolling pins tucked away in our cars in case we ever needed to keep someone in line.
She remembered everyone’s favorite foods, often having them waiting when we visited. She shared her love and knowledge of cooking with as many as she could, even teaching classes within the town of St. James. Our Nona was blessed with having a strong group of lifelong friends, many who have known her and Carl for half a century, beginning in Northern Virginia and continuing to St. James. You cannot begin to know the love in our Nona’s life without also knowing her husband, Carl, who has been at Nona’s side every step of the way.
Carla’s legacy is one of strength, resilience, and love. She was the cornerstone of her family, the steadfast matriarch who bound them together with love and laughter. In the quiet moments, when the aroma of coffee fills the air, when the tennis courts echo with laughter, and when the evening sky is painted with twilight hues, we will feel Nona’s presence, comforting us with her love and wisdom.
Carla Myslewicz, our beloved Nona, may you rest in eternal peace, knowing that your legacy of love will forever endure. Grazie, Nona, for filling our lives with warmth, laughter, and endless love. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in our hearts forever. We will raise every glass of white wine to you, continue to “Mangia,” all our meals with the hopes of mimicking yours, and look forward to the day when you open your arms, wrap us in a hug and once again say, “Buongiorno, Cara Mia!”
Online condolences may be made here.
