Amelia Emily “Nonna” Picillo lived a BIG life into her 101st year.
She was born of immigrant parents Giacomo and Genoveffa Borselli, who had settled in Boston’s North End along with her siblings Maria, Enrico, Elvira and Filomena.
She was instilled with love of family and surrounded by gatherings that were passionately filled with music, wine, card playing, good food, storytelling and laughter.
She brought these traditions to her own marriage in 1946 to Hugo Picillo and together they raised three children, Robert, Paul and Susan.
Her energy and passions were boundless. From preparing first aid kits during WWII, to cooking her legendary eggplant, to shouting at her beloved Red Sox, to her innumerable singing performances for family and friends, Nonna’s love of life was always at the forefront.
In 2017, at the age of 100, she finally traversed the cobblestones of Rome and embraced the solemnity of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican. She dined with gusto and wine in cafes and celebrated her birthday with a group of strangers who toasted her vitality in a restaurant in Florence.
Besides her children, Emily leaves her legacy to her grandchildren, Ashley, Dustin, Sarah, Mia and Ricky and her great grandchildren, Pamela Erin, Alisha, Tristan, Willa, Maverick and her namesake Emily Jackson.
To all who had the joy of meeting this unique, colorful and vibrant woman, rest assured that she is keeping everyone in line in Heaven.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Wednesday Aug. 22nd, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Jude Church 86 Main St. Norfolk at 10AM.
Her interment will be held privately.
Calling hours are Tues. Aug. 21st from 5-8PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the Franklin Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill St. Franklin, MA 02038.
Guestbook/directions www.oterifuneralhome.com
