My grandma recently passed away after 96 years full of family, love, food, and everything in between. She spent the last couple of years battling dementia but even that couldn’t stop her face from lighting up when she saw her grandchildren. My grandma dedicated her life to taking care of her family, starting with her 3 children, then 8 grandchildren, and eventually, her 10 great-grandchildren. From cooking homemade pasta to coloring to completing puzzles, my childhood was filled with weekly visits and copious memories with my grandma. While I am sad that I had to say good-bye, I am so very thankful that she was able to watch me grow up and I know she’ll continue to watch over me. So, in her honor, here is a list of some of the best lessons I learned from my beautiful grandma, Giovina.

How to be polite: Being a little old Italian lady, my grandma always kept me in check. Whether my elbows were on the table, or I was being unnecessarily sassy, my grandma always reminded me how to act and speak politely (in a very loving manner of course). She also taught me how to put up with my older brother and his constant instigating.

How to appreciate my Italian heritage: My grandma came to the US through Ellis Island from Italy in 1928 when she was a mere 8 years old. I can remember all of the stories she told me about her childhood, such as her terrible fear of water after the horrific boat ride over, or how her teacher always praised her for acquiring English language skills so quickly. She taught me about her mother and father, her brothers, Italian traditions and language, and allowed me to become much more aware of my own heritage.

How to cook and bake the most delicious of foods: Lemon cookies, cheese pie, pizzelles, homemade pasta and meatballs- my grandma definitely never let anyone go hungry. I always loved to learn any of her legendary recipes and trade secrets, such as how to somehow perfectly “eyeball” ingredients every single time. Although no one will be able to recreate her dishes like her, I am so thankful that I, along with other family members, can carry on her legacy in the kitchen.

How to love and appreciate your family: My grandma touched the lives of everyone she met. Her selflessness was radiant and she absolutely adored her family. When I was a baby, she would hold me for hours while I was sleeping. When I was a toddler, she would re-knit my blanket on a weekly basis (even though she had just knitted it the week before). When I was an awkward middle-schooler, she would always remind me how beautiful I was. When I was in high school, she would attend my show choir and musical performances. When she couldn’t quite do as much, she continue to brighten my days by saying “bella, bella!” when I entered the room. And I know all of her family members and friends can share similar memories about how loving she truly was.

I can’t sum up my grandma in just a short article, but these are a few of the many lessons she taught me over the years.

I miss you and love you so much, Gram. Thank you for making these first 18 years so special.