Obituary for Italia Romana Cervioni
93 years of age, passed away gracefully from this earth on January 31, 2023. Italia was born May 29, 1929 in Genoa, Italy, to Elisa and Tomaso Cervioni. Italia was a very loving and caring woman whose determination was as strong as her faith.
At the age of eight, Italia suffered from a severe case of pneumonia. Her father Tomaso prayed to the Virgin Mary making a promise that if his daughter survived, he would carry her to the top of the mountain where the statue of the Madonna della Guardia stood. Italia completely recovered; and Tomaso, good to his word, carried her on his shoulders to the shrine at the top of Mount Figogna. In honor of the Virgin Mother's gift, Italia was dressed in blue for one year following their return from their pilgrimage.
After enduring the hardships of her war-torn homeland and filled with youthful strength, Italia left Italy for America at the age of 25. She arrived in New York during the summer of 1954, and then flew to Milwaukee to join her sister, Maddalena. She lived with her family, helped raise her children, and became an honest hard-working American citizen.
Italia's good nature and positive outlook on life enabled her to survive two bouts with cancer. Her 37-year career took her from Frabill Manufacturing to Stearns Electric and Rexnord, where she cherished all her friendships, old and new. She was very proud of her Italian heritage and always respected the beliefs and religions of others. Her greatest joys in life were her family and friends, travel, cooking, gardening and an occasional glass of wine. She was an active member of the community at Evergreen Square where she lived happily for many years.
Italia is survived by her nieces and nephews Marion E. Lentz, Pamela V. Verbrick (Vance), Mark A Bodien (Audrey), Stefano Cervioni (Guiliana), Simona Mangini (Gianluigi), Romona Dondero, Marco Cervioni, and Moira Dondero; great nieces and nephews the late Analisa Bodien, Bryan Bodien, Jennifer Thomas (Jaden), David Downs (Michele), and Daniel Downs; great-great nieces and nephews Fox Wolter, Drew, Carissa, and Samara Thomas, Giacomo Cervioni, Raul Mangini and Luca Cervioni.
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." - Helen Keller
Committal service at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in the Chapel of the Angels, 3801 W. Morgan Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53221 on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 10 am.
At the age of eight, Italia suffered from a severe case of pneumonia. Her father Tomaso prayed to the Virgin Mary making a promise that if his daughter survived, he would carry her to the top of the mountain where the statue of the Madonna della Guardia stood. Italia completely recovered; and Tomaso, good to his word, carried her on his shoulders to the shrine at the top of Mount Figogna. In honor of the Virgin Mother's gift, Italia was dressed in blue for one year following their return from their pilgrimage.
After enduring the hardships of her war-torn homeland and filled with youthful strength, Italia left Italy for America at the age of 25. She arrived in New York during the summer of 1954, and then flew to Milwaukee to join her sister, Maddalena. She lived with her family, helped raise her children, and became an honest hard-working American citizen.
Italia's good nature and positive outlook on life enabled her to survive two bouts with cancer. Her 37-year career took her from Frabill Manufacturing to Stearns Electric and Rexnord, where she cherished all her friendships, old and new. She was very proud of her Italian heritage and always respected the beliefs and religions of others. Her greatest joys in life were her family and friends, travel, cooking, gardening and an occasional glass of wine. She was an active member of the community at Evergreen Square where she lived happily for many years.
Italia is survived by her nieces and nephews Marion E. Lentz, Pamela V. Verbrick (Vance), Mark A Bodien (Audrey), Stefano Cervioni (Guiliana), Simona Mangini (Gianluigi), Romona Dondero, Marco Cervioni, and Moira Dondero; great nieces and nephews the late Analisa Bodien, Bryan Bodien, Jennifer Thomas (Jaden), David Downs (Michele), and Daniel Downs; great-great nieces and nephews Fox Wolter, Drew, Carissa, and Samara Thomas, Giacomo Cervioni, Raul Mangini and Luca Cervioni.
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." - Helen Keller
Committal service at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in the Chapel of the Angels, 3801 W. Morgan Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53221 on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 10 am.