Most people would want to be remembered as a loving mother, a devoted wife, or a selfless friend after they've passed. But Johanna Scarpitti will be remembered as -- a wicked witch.
The Delaware mother's obit begins "Ding dong the witch is dead," and that's exactly what she would have wanted, her daughters say . Scarpitti's youngest daughter, who helped write the obituary, told The News Journal that her mother made her promise to include a tribute to "The Wizard of Oz" in her final tribute.
"That was something between us and there was nothing that was going to stop me. Even if I ended up getting bad reports and people going against me, it had nothing to do with them. This is something she wanted me to do so I did it," Assunta Lucy said.
Scarpitti so loved the classic film that she was even buried in ruby red slippers.
The bizarre obituary isn't the only one to make the news recently. Earlier this year, a Delaware man died, leaving behind a humorous self-written obituary, saying he had "gone to join the choir invisible." Another obit from last year surprised readers by referencing "back stabbing" (ahem) people who "still owe him money."
We're not sure what Scarpitti would have thought about all of the buzz surrounding her obituary... but one thing's for certain. Her husband says he doesn't want his daughters writing his.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misquoted the obituary in the last example.
Mother Daughter Duo
Known as the Thelma and Louise of Furniture, Jeanne (left) and Faye (right) find pieces that need a little love and attention and give them a second chance.
A Shared Passion
This mom and daughter duo have always shared a passion for home décor. After battling cancer together, they've joined forces -- combining Faye's love of restoration and Jeanne's eye for design.
An Eclectic Mix
You never know what you'll discover on a trip to Rebound Furniture and Décor Consignment -- a great piece of art or enough furniture to fill an entire room.
Designer's Dream
Interior designer, Bill Gibson (right) has no problem realizing the full potential of a piece inside Rebound. Here he explains a piece of artwork to an interested client.
Grand Opening
At Rebound's grand opening celebration, customers were invited to toast champagne with Jeanne and Faye, while considering the endless possibilities inside the shop.
Helping Customers
Customers sometimes wonder if they're in the right place when they arrive at Rebound. They think they're there to buy pre-owned furniture -- but everything looks shiny and new. Here, Faye takes some time to show a customer around the shop.
The Best Find
Johnny Vega answered Jeanne's ad on Craigslist, looking for someone who could reupholster their furniture finds. As it turns out, he was the greatest find of all -- and he's become a full-time member of the Rebound family.
Hard At Work
When Jeanne and Faye find a piece of vintage furniture that simply needs a fresh look, Johnny takes the piece down to the bones, removing all the padding and fabric, so that when the couch or chair is finished, it really looks brand new. Sometimes he even carves into those bones, if a customer wants a different look.
Down To The Bones
Here, Johnny has already started stripping this vintage Sear's couch down to the bones, preparing it to be reupholstered and given a second life.
A Fresh Start
Newly covered, the vintage couch is ready for a new home, thanks to the handy work of Rebound's Johnny Vega.
Found & Refined
This is one of those side-of-the-road finds that Jeanne and Faye couldn't leave behind. This love seat, along with a matching nine-foot coach were left out on the lawn. After a little love and attention, it's ready for a new home.
Location, Location
Jeanne's husband Tony found the perfect location for Rebound. A 6,000 square foot space in Canoga Park, California, that was once an interior design center.
Shopping & Selling
The inventory is constantly changing at Rebound. Here, Jeanne and Faye admire a piece a customer has picked up.
Vintage Market
Here, Jeanne and Faye took their Rebound show on the road -- setting up a temporary shop at a vintage market.
Family Affair
Jeanne and her husband Tony (left) and Jeanne's sister Susan and brother Joe (right) surround Mom, Faye (center). At Rebound, it takes the whole family to run a furniture business!
In It Together
Just after Jeanne (left) moved home to help her mom (right), who was battling her third bout of cancer, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer herself.
Jeanne Before
Before moving home to help her mother, Jeanne was living and working abroad in London. Here, she poses on her wedding day on top of the Dorchester Hotel.
It Runs In The Family
Here's Faye as a young girl with her mother -- who actually ran resale shops as well.
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