Giovanna Mormile

Giovanna Mormile, a beacon of love and generosity, whose life was as rich and fulfilling as the gardens she tended, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, in Staten Island, N.Y., at the age of 86. Born on October 12, 1937, in the sun-kissed isle of Ischia, Italy, Giovanna's journey was marked by the same warmth and vibrancy that graced the shores of her birthplace. Her life was a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and the simple joys that stitch the fabric of a well-lived life.

Giovanna, affectionately known simply by her first name, carried the essence of her Italian heritage in every meal she prepared, every plant she tended, and every stitch she sewed. She was a matriarch in the truest sense, her hands always busy serving those she held dear. Her late husband, Francesco, was the first love of her life, and together they built a legacy of love and dedication that was reflected in the lives of their children, Marie and her husband John, Peter and his wife Anna, Angelina and her husband Frank, and Gerard. Each child, a chapter in her book of life, was infused with her loving spirit and thoughtful nature.

In Giovanna's life, she bore the loss of her grandson Francesco with the same grace and resilience that she celebrated the births of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joanna, Rosemarie, Joann, Jean, John, Giovanni, Frank, and Francesca carried forward her light, while Gabriella, Charles, Nicholas, Giovanna, Katherine, Sophia, Angeline, and Milana blossomed under her nurturing care. Her brother Michele (Aura) and sister Cecilia (Michele), along with the memory of her late sister Nunzia (Mario), were the threads that connected the rich tapestry of her family history.

Giovanna's interests were a mirror to her soul: cooking was her way of embracing her family and sharing her love, gardening was her passion which she proudly displayed, and sewing was her form of leaving a tangible imprint of her care on the world. Her home was always an open door, where her warm heart and open arms were always waiting for you. Her life was a continuous gathering, each person who entered left feeling as if they were part of her ever-growing family.

To describe Giovanna as loving, thoughtful, and generous only scratches the surface of the profound impact she had on those around her. Her smile always made everyone feel welcome and loved. You could always find Giovanna sitting outside on her porch, chatting the day away with friends, family and friends who became family. One of the most special people in her life was her lifelong beloved friend Josie. Both began their friendship as close neighbors in their Brooklyn brownstones and they continued to grow together even after their move, which made them more like sisters living across the street from one another in Staten Island.

Giovanna's unwavering support for her family, thoughtfulness towards others and generosity she always showed will undoubtedly be passed down through generations. Her devotion to the Catholic faith was steadfast and she instilled the value and importance of God and prayer in daily life. Praying the rosary and her petitions to God for her family and friends will continue to protect all whom she loved.