Emilio Nanci and Pasqualina (Lina) Accili

Emilio and Lina Nanci

Emilio was born on May 28, 1935, in Ateleta, Provincia di L’Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy. His parents were Vincenzo Nanci, a contadini, and Olimpia Di Biasi. He has two sisters: Palmerina Visocchi and Giovanna (Joanne) Cellini.

Lina was born on August 13, 1936, in  Acciano, Provincia di L’Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy.  Her parents were Nazareno Accili, a game warden, and Almina Giangregorio. She has three brothers: Ennio, Marcello, and Roberto, and three sisters: Clelia DiGiacomo, Gianna Margadonna and Vera Accili.

Emilio’s father, Vincenzo, sponsored by his sister, Domenica, came to Canada in the early 1940s. Emilio came to Canada in 1956, with his mother and two sisters, to meet up with their father, Vincenzo, who was already in North Vancouver, BC. Lina was sponsored by Emilio, her life long “fidanzato," and made the journey to Canada in 1958, in the dead of winter, by herself!  Both Lina and Emilio landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and took the train across Canada. They were married in North Vancouver, on January 10, 1959.

Emilio and Lina and family took a vacation to Kelowna, BC, in 1970, staying at the Canamara Motel on Lakeshore (now the Manteo resort). They fell in love with the area, as it reminded them of their home province in Italy. In 1974, they decided to move to Kelowna. They purchased some land in the Lower Mission and Emilio began to build homes and work in construction until he retired.  
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Lina, an amazing cook, worked at the old Eldorado Hotel, and various restaurants around town. In 1984, she opened a shoe store, called L’Aquila Foot Fashions. It was located downtown for over twelve years. She sold the business and dedicated her time, helping raise their grandchildren and volunteering at the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club (KCIC). Lina was one of the original “mammas”, whose famous pasta dinners were always sold out.

Emilio dedicated a significant amount of time volunteering at the KCIC, and held various positions, such as: Entertainment Chair, Vice President, and President in 1981, 1984-1986, and 2010-2011. The KCIC was a wonderful place for Emilio and Lina to socialize with their many friends, over the years. They still attend Giuseppe’s Café for a reunion with all the older members. 

They have two children: Rosann and Enzo James (Cheryl). 

Contributed by Rosann Nanci, daughter.