Here is a tribute to my nana. She is the one who taught me to cook along with my mom. Love you nana always!
This past weekend, my Nana passed away. She was 101 years old and lived a long full life. Her life wasn't always easy but she was a tough woman and always made the most out of what she had. When I was a child I spent numerous weeks of the summer staying with my Nana and Grandpa. After they retired, they lived near the beach and on a lake. I couldn't think of a better place to spend my summers.
After swimming all day, I remember the fun summer nights and how we would eat dinner on the porch, then chase lightning bugs after dark. Nana was a late night person and I loved being allowed to stay up late with her. She even let me catch a few late night episodes of Columbo. Even now, I hear the sound of crickets and it makes me think of those fun filled summers.
Nana loved food just as much as I did. We had big spaghetti or pot roast dinners on Sunday and she made the best sausage stuffing on Thanksgiving. Her breakfast consisted of a bowl of oatmeal and a hard boiled egg everyday. I remember feeling so grown up when she allowed me to have a few teaspoons of coffee with my milk in the morning. My grandparents were way beyond their times in the coffee department. You might think Lattes and Cappuccinos are a more recent indulgence but my grandparents drank them back in the day. They made their own by filling mugs of coffee with lots of milk and topping it with frothed egg whites and sugar.
The last few years were not good ones for Nana so I am happy she is now at peace. I have such wonderful childhood memories that she helped me create. Many of them have to do with food. If there was ever an Italian grandmother that could eat, it was her. I hope she is somewhere with my grandfather playing her favorite card games of bridge, watching game shows and eating big plates of spaghetti.
Lisa says
Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry about your Nana. Women like her with that much strength and presense in our lives are such treasures. I'm sure, like you say, she is play bridge and watching Wheel of Fortune. Hugs to you and your family - xoxo Lisa
Cathy says
What a beautiful tribute to your Nana. It sounds like she was incredible. My condolences, Lisa. I'm thinking of you and your family.
Kate says
I'm so sorry for your loss, but I hope we all can live such long and full lives that touch as many people as hers did.
Aggie says
Oh Lisa, I send you my condolences, and a great big hug. Your Nana sounds like she lived a wonderful life and the memories you have of her will stay with you forever. I'm so sorry for your loss. 🙁
Debbie says
What a sweet lady and wonderful story. Hope all your happy memories help you through your loss. I had Italian grandparents also so I know "all about the food!"
Ramona says
101, Wow.
I'm glad she's at peace. I know you'll greatly miss her.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Mandy says
I am so sorry for your loss. What beautiful memories and love you carry for her! That is priceless!!
ciaochowlinda says
How sad for you and your family that you lost such a wonderful and treasured member of the family. She sounds like a woman I would love to have met. May you find solace knowing your nana is at peace.
Laura says
What a lovely post tribute to your nana. My condolences.
Pratap says
Would you like to get more visitors from New Jersey?
Submit your blog in zeole.com/newjersey . This is a one time submission. This would automatically submit a preview of your future blog posts in New Jersey, with a link back to your blog.
Enjoy more traffic from New Jersey 🙂
jennifurla says
Bless her, and Bless you.
teresa says
i'm so sorry for your loss, what a sweet woman. this was a lovely tribute post.
Niki says
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope she is eating bowls and bowls of spagetti in Heaven too! xo
Beth @ Hungry Happenings says
I am so sorry for your loss. It was nice to read about all your wonderful memories. I hope they bring you peace.
Mary says
Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. It is very difficult to say that final goodbye to those we love, but it sounds like she has finally been released and can again soar - if only in memory. I'll be thinking about you today. Know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings...Mary
Pam says
I am so sorry you lost your Nana. It sounds like she was quite an amazing woman!
Megan @ Megan's Munchies says
She sounds like such an amazing woman!! Cherish those memories!!!
Liz says
I'm so sorry for your loss...your Nana left you with many beautiful memories. I know you will miss her~
marylou says
What a wonderful recollection of your childhood. Much sympathy about Nana
vanillasugarblog says
what a sweet memorial to your Nana.
101 is a strong woman indeed!
you have good genes Lisa.
my great-gran passed at 100
Carole Resnick says
Tell her to look up my grandma, Rose Cornsweet. She also was quite the "foodie". I am sure they will enjoy swapping recipes and sampling each others creations.
Marianne says
I am so sorry for your loss Lisa. Your tribute was beautiful and it is so nice that you have so many wonderful memories with your Nana.
Laura says
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.