Lyrics

Nonna
©2015 Julie Parisi Kirby

She was 10 months old when they came thru Ellis Island
They went to West Virginia to a coal mining town
She ran away to get married, she had six beautiful children
She worked in a factory to put food on the table

My Nonna was the heart, the center of our family
How I wish you could have known her
My dear one, Nellie

She made all their clothes, and fed all their friends
Everyone was welcome to her warm, loving home
I remember her crocheting shawls and lace tablecloths
and making fresh pasta, and talking in the sun
My Nonna was the heart, the center of our family
How I wish you could have known her
My dear one, Nellie

In the summer time, she would come to stay
She loved my father's garden, and the chicken's fresh eggs
But the best time I remember, was the way she made Christmas
Family was sacred, family was love

My Nonna was the heart, the center of our family
How I wish you could have known her
My dear one, Nellie