Nicole Anne-Marie Tramonte

Nicole Anne-Marie Tramonte, also known as 'Grandma' or 'Grammy', was born in Gennevilliers, France, to Georgette and André Chamarande. She was a loving mother to Caroline Chamarande Houston, Alice Tramonte, and a second mother to James 'Jimmy' Craig.

Nicole's adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for travel authored an extraordinary legacy of stories only Grandma could tell. She immigrated to America with her sister, Françoise, in the early '60s, trading their adventures through the forest of Fontainebleau for exploring the North American continent together. Nicole and Françoise earned their pilot's licenses, ensuring that their next adventure was nothing more than a plane ride away.

Not long after landing on US soil, she met Dr. Anthony Tramonte, her life partner with a restless spirit to rival her own. He gifted Grandma a Cessna 172 'Skyhawk,' which safeguarded them on countless escapades, from skiing across the US to white-water rafting or even getting lost in Mexico with only one change of clothes. Together, Nicole and Tony managed a number of business ventures including The Bayou, a DC nightclub, and the Italian restaurant Vesuvio in Georgetown. They eventually acquired Catania Bakery, which Nicole managed until her passing. Catania Bakery was synonymous with Nicole; a gathering place for people to enjoy biscotti, stories, and conversation. Saturday mornings at Catania engendered an eclectic community unified by their love for Italian baked goods and Grandma.

From the year it opened, Nicole had been an avid member of the McLean Racquet and Health Club. Playing daily for nearly the past decade, Nicole prioritized tennis in her everyday life, ensuring an active, social, and healthy lifestyle. Her love for tennis endures through the passion she cultivated in her daughter Caroline and granddaughter Isabelle, whom Grandma encouraged to take up the lifelong sport. The tennis courts at the club will certainly miss her enthusiasm and steadfast commitment to tennis.

Nicole is survived by many beloved grandchildren, family members, and friends. She was universally loved for her generosity and fearlessness. Services will be held Saturday February 17, 2024 at 10:30 AM location of service will be at Saint Luke Catholic Church in McLean, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Smile, a cause dear to Nicole's heart.