Everything I Thought I Knew Is Up In the Air

Sonora, California
September 27, 2019 10:49pm CST
My cousin just called and we have discovered that though Nonna’s birth certificate tells us she was born in the United States her death certificate says she was born in Italy! Then my cousin reminded me of childhood stories that tell of Nonna being born in Sicily likely on the way to the U.S we do know that the family is from Verona, but we also know that Children who were born on the journey had their birth certificates done in the United States, we know too that until school started she spoke Italian but after school began she was no longer allowed to speak it, other than at home, she had older brothers and sisters who we know were born in Italy and one younger sister who was born in Providence. I know too that her given name was Adelina but I’m School they changed it to Ethel because the teachers could not pronounce it! What we do not know is whether Nonna was born in Verona, Sicily or in the states and sadly she and her brother and sisters have all died. I’m hoping someday to find out whether we are second or third generation! I have always felt a closeness to my Italian roots maybe they are even closer than I thought!
8 people like this
7 responses
@simplfred (20641)
• Philippines
28 Sep 19
Looks like you are searching for your Family Tree... I hope all your doubts will be answered...
2 people like this
• Sonora, California
28 Sep 19
We thought we had it detailed but answers are missing!
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (127158)
• United States
28 Sep 19
My great-grandparents on my father's side lived in Italy before coming to the US. They lived near Parma in the northern part of the country. My great-grandfather was a marble-worker and was recruited to work on the US Capitol building. After that he liked the US so much that he brought his family over here. We still make homemade ravioli each December to have as part of our Christmas dinner.
1 person likes this
• Sonora, California
29 Sep 19
Our tradition is Spaghetti with a homemade sauce!
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (127158)
• United States
29 Sep 19
@Michellekidwell I'd say that is a strange Christmas dinner but who am I to talk when we have homemade ravioli with sauce. To be fair we also have my prime rib.
1 person likes this
• Sonora, California
30 Sep 19
@NJChicaa we actually have Spaghetti Christmas Eve, Christmas Day is usually ham or turkey!
1 person likes this
@jeanena (2198)
• Bucklin, Kansas
30 Sep 19
I do have to say that is a Beautiful Lady in those pictures! It is too bad there isn't a written account somewhere. I hope you are able to find out what you are trying to find. Good Luck in your search
1 person likes this
• Sonora, California
30 Sep 19
The accounts are contradictory and thank you so much Nonna we beautiful Inside and out!
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (122203)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
28 Sep 19
Family tree searches are wonderful to learn about your ancestors.
@Janet357 (75638)
28 Sep 19
oh you have Italian roots. that's interesting! Hope you find it out .
• Rupert, Idaho
28 Sep 19
Oh wow, sorry to hear about all the confusion with hearing that. And hopefully some day you can find out which generation.
@psanasangma (7910)
• India
28 Sep 19
She is beautiful... I wish you could find someone to give witness on her birth place