In Memoriam: Nonna

Yvette Therese (Bonetti) Pivetta--"Nonna"--died peacefully while in hospice care Sept. 1, 2022. She was born in La Louviere, Belgium, to Francesco Bonetti and Zoe (Duwez) Bonetti on Dec. 19, 1932. She met Angelo Pivetta while celebrating her 19th birthday with girlfriends in a cafe' in Belgium. Nonna and Nonno married on July 17, 1954, emigrated to Toronto, Canada, in 1955, and then to Detroit in 1961. Their walk through life spanned 58 years together. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her four children, Tony (Donna) Pivetta, Nadine (Richard Peterson) Pivetta, Alain Pivetta, and Dr. Fabio (Shannon) Pivetta; six grandchildren, Elissa (Matt) Malone, Harris (Luci) Schneiderman, Lena (Mitchell Ford) Pivetta, Lindsi (Conan) Smith, Anika Pivetta, and Dante Pivetta; one great-granddaughter, Ivy Malone, and one great-grandson, Jackson Smith; and by a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins in Belgium and Italy. She is likewise survived by friends, neighbors, and paisani too numerous to name. 

She toiled as a housekeeper for twenty years. She did it not only to supplement the family's income, but for the human interactions her work afforded. Nonna made friends fast. All she had to do was invite you over for dinner.   

Nonna could cook. No, I mean she could really cook. Her classic spaghetti with meat sauce, which she dismissed as a run-of-the-mill standby, was to die for. Except you'd die for her lasagna first. Except you'd subject yourself to death by waterboarding for a taste of her gnocchi. Her tossed salads consisted of simple lettuce, radicchio, vinegar, olive oil, and fresh chopped garlic. We watched her make her salads from scratch but could never duplicate her efforts. Her culinary wizardry included brisket, polenta, homemade mayonnaise, an array of soups, spaghetti carbonara, osso bucco, moules et frites, croquettes, and chicons au gratin. Even her mash potatoes were memorable: rich, smooth, and creamy, with hints of nutmeg.   

Nonna was a skilled knitter. Her maniacally energetic hands spawned warm, durable, and fashionable sweaters. She wove intricate patterns and multicolored designs. She did it all while "relaxing" in front of the TV. Her sweaters made her children the envy of their designer-clad peers. 

Nonna spoke French, Italian, and English. She spoke them well. She had a steel-trap mind and an impeccable memory. She exuded wit, warmth, humor, kindness, and generosity. Nonna will be sorely missed. 

Did I tell you she could cook? 

Arrangements for a funeral Mass commending this noble soul to her Savior's loving embrace are pending. Please check back for further information. Her final resting place will be by Nonno's side at St. Hedwig Cemetery.