Life History of Lois Rotella

21. Tell us about your father, do you have a special memory of him?

I think the time that stays in my mind was when the 50th anniversary of D-Day was on TV, he took out some of his things and pictures from his time overseas during the war. I think he felt I could understand his time there. I thought that was special because he never spoke of it or showed us kids anything.

22. Have you ever witnessed or experienced a fire, flood, disaster or accident? What happened, what did you do, how did you feel about it?

I had to think about this question a lot. I think the disaster that comes to mind is Sept 11, 2001. I was at work when we heard about the attack. I work in midtown Manhattan. The attack took place in lower Manhattan. I walked home from work about 2 miles. It was traffic free and very quiet in NYC. That in it self was strange. When I reached 23 St I could see where the Trade Center was. All you saw was smoke. I was concerned about my Father and the family was concerned about us. We couldn't call out because the phone lines were down. The days after were we in a restricted area and had to show ID to be allowed back in. I think I am still confused about my feelings about that day. We are not the same in the City. We see police and military around the city everyday. I think I still very angry at the people who that it was a just cause. I think time will ease the feelings. I think we as a city and nation felt united like we haven't been in a long time. I hope to have never have those feeling again in my lifetime.

23. When you have quiet time what do you like to do?

I think this is the easiest question to answer. When I have quite times the things I like to do is read a good book. I might also do my scrapbooking. I also like to listen to music.

I think the best thing to do when it is quite is do nothing.

24. Who was the president of the United States when you were born? Who was your favorite president and why?

The president at the time of my birth was Harry S Truman. I don't have any favorite president. I remember different presidents for different reasons. The first president I remember was JFK because he assainated. That will always stick in my mind. You always remember where you were at the time even though I was only 12 years old. I remember all the other presidents but none are my favorites.

25. Did your family have any special traditions?

I have been thinking about this question. For some reason it has been hard. I know we had a few traditions. On Christmas Eve we never ate meat. We would go to midnght mass and after we came home we could have meat. We had special dishes mostly italian food. On New Year's day we always ate hame I don't know why. On someone birthday we alway had a special meal.It was the chose of the birthday person. I think our traditions are mostly the food we eat. It is most all italian food.

26. How old were you when you learned to drive? Who taught you and what kind of car did you learn on?

I think is was the easiest question of all. I learned how to drive at 18 but never got a licenece. I never felt a need since I live in a city where there is hardly any parking. I could take a subway or bus just about anywhere.

27. What is your first memory of as a child?

This is a hard question. It was such a long time ago that I was a child. I believe that the first memory was visiting my father's sister, Lucy, and her husband. They lived about 6 blocks away from us. She used to fuss over us kids. I think it was because she never had children herself. She was such a kind and wonderful woman. She died when I was 10 years old. I still miss her very much and she has been deceased for 42 years now.

28. What did your father and mother do for a living?

As far what my Father did for a living it was several things. Before World War II he was a draftsman and that is kinda what he did in the war. After the war is hads shook took much and couldn't do that kind of work. He than worked for the post office from around 1950 till he retired about 20 years ago. My Mom before my parents married worked in a factory packing toilet tissue. After my parents married she was a housewife. She than got a job working in the schools doing office work. After that she went to work for a bank and stayed there until her death in 1980. By that time she had worked there for 15 years.

29. Have you ever seen or witnessed a miracle?

I don't think I have ever seen a mirale. I do believe life in it self is a mirale everyday. The continuing cycle of life is so amazing.

30. What sports do you participate in or watch? Are you enthusiastic about sports or exercising?

I am not much of a participant in sports. I do like to watch swimming and figure skating. I do watch the olmpics when they are on.

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