Rosina Turbinelli Cava Obituary (1925 - 2021)

On August 14, 2021, we lost our sweet, loving, and strong Nona Rosina. She passed away surrounded by her daughters, sons-in-law, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She was a beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Our Nona is survived by her two daughters, Sara Zullo and Lucia Karren, and her brother, Umberto Turbinelli. She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Francisco Cava; her daughter, Graciela Zullo; her parents; her three brothers; and her two sisters. We miss her immensely but take comfort at this time that Nona is reunited in the open arms of those who loved her, especially her husband and her beautiful daughter. Nona’s life journey began in the small town of Rose, Province of Cosenza, Italy. She was only fourteen years old when World War II began and thus was unable to continue her education. However, she was the wisest and most clever person we knew. She married in 1948 and had her first daughter in Italy. In search of a better future for her family, she traveled for 21 days in a cargo ship named “Ana C” to arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where her husband was waiting for her after being apart for three years. In 1955, she gave birth to her twin girls. Life was not easy for Nona without family, friends, or knowledge of the language. She experienced loss, sickness, and hardship. Despite all of this, Nona dedicated herself to her family and home. After her daughters moved to the United States, she was fortunate to come visit often and travel to many places, including going back to her bella Italia. Her last fourteen years were spent in Utah living in the homes of her three daughters. Her passions included cooking, singing, and entertaining. In fact, Nono Franchi often told the story of how he fell in love with her after hearing her sing. She loved clothes and jewelry and looked forward to dressing up for special occasions. There wasn’t an illness or a sadness she could not heal with her home-cooked meals. No matter what time or day anyone visited, they would always find Nona’s food waiting. Nona made sure no one left her home hungry. Until her last days, she was worried about her grandkids and great-grandkids eating enough. She never followed a written recipe, and her passion for cooking has been passed down through the generations. Nona’s purpetas and home-made pasta will live on forever. Christmas will never be the same without her scaliddre and pitullie. She was la Nona de todos (everyone’s grandmother) and impacted so many people around the world. She always worried about others and put their needs first. Nonita Rosina, we love you and will miss you every day. You are our hero and our strength, and we are grateful for all you have taught us. We know you have returned to your Heavenly home, and we will carry you in our hearts until we meet again. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 19, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 4760 South State Street, Murray, with a program beginning at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery.