Zaira Nolemi

Zaira Nolemi, 96 A warm, wise and witty matriarch and opera enthusiast. Zaira Nolemi, 96, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her devoted family. Born in Brooklyn, the proud daughter of immigrants from Tuscany, Zaira lived in the same brownstone for seven decades before moving to her son’s home in Huguenot two years ago. “Nonna Zai” was a wonderful story-teller. She had a keen interest in history and culture, with a passion for Michelangelo, DaVinci and the ballet. An ardent fan of classical music, especially opera, her favorite composers were Beethoven, Verdi and Puccini. For 90+ years, the highlight of her week was the Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts on Saturday afternoons. Nonna was also a superlative cook. She is survived by her loving children Ida (Constantino) Lanza, Victoria Nolemi, and Louis (JoAnne) Nolemi. She will be missed by her adoring grandchildren, Alessandra (Ryan) Pegnim, Leonora (Addison) Fink, Gregory (Katie) Lanza, and Julian Lanza. Her love will continue to shine on her great-grandchildren Maverick & Camryn Pegnim and newborn baby Addison J. Fink IV. She joins in Heavenly Peace her dear husband, Silvano, cherished brother Charles Pardi, and her beloved parents Vittorio and Lina Pardi.