Mama Nonne

Mama Nonne is a heartfelt journey into the lives of Sicilian immigrants who crossed the Atlantic in search of a better future and built a legacy through sacrifice, resilience, faith, and family.

Through the story of Pietronilla Angeleri, lovingly known as Mama Nonne, Josephine Traina explores the experiences of her great-grandmother and the generations that followed. Leaving Sicily behind in 1900, Mama Nonne and her family faced poverty, uncertainty, and the challenges of starting over in America. Their journey through Ellis Island, their settlement in Brooklyn, and their struggle to create a home reveal the courage and determination behind the immigrant experience.

More than a family history, this book examines how beliefs, traditions, hardships, and survival patterns can pass from one generation to another. It honors the women who carried families forward through loss, hardship, and change while preserving their culture, faith, recipes, and memories.

Blending genealogy, historical research, personal stories, photographs, and cherished family recipes, Mama Nonne brings forgotten voices back to life. It is a tribute to Sicilian and Italian immigrants whose sacrifices shaped future generations and a reminder that understanding where we come from helps us understand who we are.

A story of immigration, family, resilience, and the enduring power of love.