Adele Lena Ballatori

Born on July 8, 1912 in Montegallo, Italy, she was the second to the youngest of 10 children to Antonio and Angela Flex. In her young adulthood, she moved to Rome with her sister Iolanda, where she became the nanny for a family that owned a restaurant on Via Genova. There, she met her husband, Ludovico Ballatori, with whom she raised 2 boys, Sergio and Franco. In 1975, Adele, Ludovico, Franco, Sergio and family (Gabriella and 5 children) moved to Houston to open up Ballatori's of Houston. Adele was pivotal in launching Ballatori's, where she helped create the famous cuisine. She retired from the restaurant in 1983, however she never slowed down. She took over the primary job of raising grandchildren and then great grandchildren well into her 90's.

Her life was always centered around family, particularly the children. No matter how she felt or what was happening around her, she always brought smiles to children's faces and they would bring her the unconditional joy that would erase all of her aches and pains. Her other passion and unparalleled talent was crocheting. She made beautiful works of art that she shared with family, friends and even strangers. Everyone that knew her called her Nonna, regardless of whether they were family, because she immediately made them feel like family.

Nonna is survived by her daughter-in-law, Gabriella, 5 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews in the United States and many family members in Italy. She always touched people that would meet her with her kindness, smile and love and we will miss her dearly. She is in heaven now with her family and friends.

A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, November 11 from 2-4 at the Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home and the funeral mass will be on Monday, November 12 at 10am at St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in The Woodlands.