Born in Bronte, Italy, in 1925 at the foot of Mount Etna in Sicily, Nonna grew up surrounded by heartache, loss and the realities of a world at war. Amongst the hardship and ruin, her daily reality was not one of education or abundance but rather of family, caring for her six siblings and from an early age assuming responsibilities beyond her years, contributing to the function and survival of her family.
Amongst the chaos and hardship, Nonna’s quiet resolve developed, as did her inspiring 'glass-half full' attitude and optimism for life. Unsurprisingly, when the opportunity presented itself, she made the brave seabound journey to Australia, in search of a better life — one where there was more opportunity and security for a young woman, and more for the family she would proudly one day call her own.
It was in Melbourne, Australia, she met the love of her life, Maggiorino. Together, they built a home in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and raised two children — creating a home which was frequently filled with relatives sharing a Sunday lunch, where the kids would roam freely amongst the fruit trees and friendships which would last a lifetime would flourish.
Despite the trials and tribulations of early life in Italy, Nonna is proud of her roots and proud of the life she had led. As a means of providing for her family in Australia, Nonna worked at Holeproof and Jayvee Textiles as a machinist for many years. In these years, working to establish their roots in Australia and providing for her family, whilst she did not have much at all, both her children can recall her often shared philosophy on life:
"If you're surrounded by family and the ones you love, eat good food, have good shoes and your hair done, you have everything you need."
To this day, at 99, Nonna is turning heads — joining us for our Bronte Body Care beach photoshoot, rocking a swimming cap and Prada sunglasses like a true icon. She embraced the experience and became the star of the shoot, as always.
Nonna, forever my idol. Love of my life.