After a dynastic 95 years on earth, "Nanna" (given name- Antonetta (Costarella) Melidona) has taken her talents of love and culinary skills to heaven. She was born on May 27 ^th , 1923 in Pentedattilo, Calabria, Italia. The daughter of Giuseppe and Francesca (Schimizzi) Costarella, she was predeceased by siblings Teresa, Eugenia, Giuliana, Antonino, Carmelo, Augustino, and Domenico, and her first and only boyfriend and love, Aurelio. Her legacy carries on through her beloved daughter Maria ("Bigga" Chris) DeSimone and beloved son Mario (Michel) Melidona. She was more than a mother to her grandchildren- Dr. Christopher (Brenna) DeSimone, MD, PhD, Michelle (Jason) Brady, Dr. Daniel (fiancée Brittany) DeSimone, MD, Taylor (fiancé Alex) Melidona, Samuel Melidona, Quinn Melidona, and Luke Melidona. Her love multiplied with her great-grandchildren Jason Brady Jr, Ryan Brady, Antonella DeSimone, Brandon Brady, and Aurelio DeSimone. She was also the beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews and is also survived by many loving cousins.

Nanna lived life as perfectly as it ought to be, just as God intended, and a description would encompass all superlatives. She parlayed her gifts of true compassion and masterful cooking to entice everyone to enjoy a meal, friendship, and heartwarming affection. In touching taste buds and hearts, her fame grew amongst family and friends, and to break bread with her became a rite of passage.  She was the de facto life-counselor – she knew exactly the correct thing to tell you and at exactly the right moment. She would take on any pain or grief with you, laugh and cry alongside you, and smile and embrace after you felt so much better. Of course, the cards were already in her favor as this was always done over a dish of pasta and meatballs, chicken cutlets, and pastina.

Amazingly, throughout her 95 years she never spoke a word that did not end in a vowel (when needed she improvised). Her messages and life-teachings were vast and exemplary, but from these treasures were three distinct riches: 1) "Opena youra eyesa", 2) No make-a tha story-a, and 3) Alwaysa respecta tha parentsa. Translated from "Nanna-speak" – Always pay attention to your surroundings, refrain from bad situations, and focus on what is in front of you, how fortunate you are, and on doing good in the world. Secondly, don't take things too seriously, as it is far better to forgive and forget. Third, let your parents guide your path throughout life as they love you most. There was a tremendous amount of richness in her teaching and the examples set forth. It was a distinct honor to witness this firsthand- this was her gift and she shared it with the world. She now lives on through us all in our hearts, spirit, and actions for others.

Visitation for Antonetta will be on Wednesday, January 2 ^nd from 11:30 – 12:30 P.M. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, where funeral services will be celebrated at 12:30 P.M. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Nanna has filled our hearts. Thus, we respectfully request that any gifts, flowers, etc. be instead be sent true angels on earth; those doing God's work at Hospice facilities. We especially recommend her favorite - Webster Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Road, Webster, NY 14580. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.