It is w ith heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our b eloved mother, Nives Samarin ( née Ersettigh ) , who returned Home to the Lord, on May 31, 2022 , at the age of 96 years old.

Nives , to the manner born, in 1926 in the ancient city of Cividale del Friuli, in northern Italy, enjoyed a privileged life during her formative years. Nives was known to be outgoing, friendly, sharing a kind or encouraging word with everyone she came in contact with. Deeply spiritual, Nives always "turned the other cheek", and looked for the good in everyone.

Having lived through and experienced the atrocities of World War II, made Nives resilient and an example to follow , on how to liv e every day with a positive outlook in life and appreciating the little things in life .

Nives married Thomas J. Samarin, our father, an American soldier, stationed in northern Italy and in 1950 traveled to America as a "war bride", leaving her native homeland to build a new life in the United States .

Nives lived a full and exemplary life : Nives was an accomplished professional seamstress and stylist. Her designs were renowned as being "avant -garde and elegant" and years ahead of their time.

Nives was the mother of Romano Samarin, Loretta Samarin-Walker ( and mother in-law to Allen Walker) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; to her late sister, Ermida Guadagno ( née Ersettigh ) of Udine, Italy; her late brother Walter Ersettigh of Udine, Italy and Caracas, Venezuela; and loving cousin and aunt to many nieces , nephews and grand-nephews/ nieces in Italy.

Nives lived a very active lifestyle: whether enjoying ocean related water sports, gardening, hiking, or traveling, she took on life with gusto!

There are no services; a Memorial Mass will be announced and celebrated at a later date.