Dora Grion

As I posted earlier, Brenda's aunt Dora became very ill when we arrived in Capriva and was hospitalized.  As we were traveling in the Baltic, Felice sent us an email telling us that Dora had died.  Dora was my first introduction to Capriva.  It was 2000 and we had our big trip to Italy.  It was the first visit for me and the four kids and Brenda's first time back to Capriva since 1982.  We parked the car (actually a nine passager bus) in front of Noni's home.  Brenda rang the door bell and out came an old Italian woman (Dora) shouting and with tears of joy steaming down her face.  It was the most amazing greeting I had ever seen.  Later I would find out that Dora always shouted and would end up crying!  We had coffee in the home where Noni grew up (and where Dora and Vilma lived).  Dora was married to Noni's oldest brother Gino and they had three children, Ilvo, Elda and Felice.  Dora was in a Nazi concentration camp and always had a rough demeanor about her.  After Gino died, she was the primary caregiver for Vilma (Noni's sister who was impaired from a childhood illness).  Every visit we have made to Capriva included a visit with Dora.  Over the years, I actually started to understand her Italian and she always gave me a big hug and kiss.  Capriva will not be the same without Dora Grion.