BOZRAH - Pierina (Colelli) Colonna, aka Nonna, embarked on her final journey home on November 5, 2018 surrounded by love. Nonna was born on December 5th, 1928 in Subiaco, Italy, daughter of Giovanni and Giovanna Colleli. Nonna often recounted her days on the farm and her varying jobs which included working for the Italian Red Cross, as a caregiver for the Children's Polio Clinic and as a nanny for the Governess in Rome.
Nonna met her late husband Salvatore Colonna, owner of the Colonna Ballfield, of Norwich through a letter. They were married in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican in Rome and returned to the United States together in 1959. Her only stipulation was that she return to Italy each summer, with their two children Patrick Colonna and Concetta (Colonna) Franchetti of Norwich so that they may grow surrounded by the Italian culture, language and traditions that she so cherished.
Her granddaughters, her biggest fans, were her greatest loves. She took pride in caring for them as they grew, and passed along that same love and passion for Italian culture and language to them.
Nonna's favorite hobbies included cooking, praying, catching up on Italian news, looking elegant and classy at all times and of course, Days of Our Lives. Nonna was kind and loving, spunky and sassy, and the epitome of strength and elegance.
Nonna is survived by her sister, Adele Comparini of Tivoli, her children Patrick and Concetta, her son-in-law Dennis, her grandchildren Giulianna and Alexa and countless nieces, nephews and cousins still in Italy. She is predeceased by her parents Giovanni and Giovanna, her husband Salvatore, brother Egidio Colelli of Rome.
Her wishes were to return to Italy, where a mass will be said at her hometown Church in Subiaco - Chiesa di Santa Maria della Valle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Pierina Colelli Colonna for the Italian Language Program at Norwich Free Academy. Checks can be made payable to NFA Foundation Inc. and forwarded to 321 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360.
Her family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses who have cared for her over the years, especially Dr. Deutsch and Dr. Healy; the Critical Care Unit at Backus Hospital and the Palliative Care Team at Backus Hospital for seeing her and her family through to the end. We'd also like to thank Church and Allen Funeral Home who are responsible for her arrangements.
T'amo di piu....
Services are private at the convenience of the family. To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.churchandallen.com
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