Maria Pia Popow (13 May 1925 - 31 Dec 2020)

In loving memory of Maria Pia Popow who sadly passed away on 31st December 2020 aged 95 years.

Maria Pia affectionally known to family and friends as Mima, was born on 13th May 1925, to her parents Alfredo and Augusta, she was the little sister to Elucadio, Vittorio, Mario and Fulvio and 5 years later would became big sister to Anna. She grew up in a beautiful hilltop village in Montefano in Italy, a childhood full of laughter and freedom. Mima loved to share stories of her childhood, of the songs they sung in school, the dances she went to, the lakes she would swim in and bike ride adventures she had. During the war she witnessed sadness that stuck with her, but the happiest of times came from when she met her beloved Gigi, out collecting firewood for the family, Gigi a Polish soldier made sure she was safe. Their relationship ignited and although the war took him away, he would write to her to tell he was safe. When he returned they danced the night away and months later on 30th June 1946 at 7pm they got married!
Moving over to Britain, they moved from Scotland to York, to Wales, where George, Georgio (Jerzy)was born, then moving to Nottingham the following year when Frank Franco (Franciszek) was born. Maria worked hard and was a proud lady. She adored her family and as a family they were all delighted when they had baby Roman, Rrzymski , he sadly passed away only 9 months old. Mima would talk about him and how he would always shout ‘Mama’ cherishing his memory.
Mima lived in her home in Kirk Hallam for many years, over 60 years! During this time both George and Frank getting married and having their own families. Over the years the family growing with Maria’s grandchildren,
Eleanor Melanie Matthew, Daniella Francesca and Alexander all loving spending time with Maria. It was with great sadness that Mima spent the last 35 years alone after Gigi passed away, she kept his family values and traditions alive, loving spending time with her family. Mima was thrilled when her first great grandchild came along, Lucia, followed then by Amelia, Daniel, Jessica, Samuel, Kitty, Luca, Cicely and the last great grandchild Sienna being born on the same day as the first great grandchild. Mima loved her huge family and spending time with everyone. As Mima was very close to her brothers and sister, when they had children she loved being their Aunty and then a great Aunty and this year she would have been a great great Aunty! Mimas relationship with Gigi’s family in Poland created strong bonds, she loved Gigi’s sister and was very close with her children and their families and ensured that she kept speaking Polish and keeping the traditions with the family in England.
Mima had lots of friends too, connections with Italian ladies who also moved from Italy sharing similar experiences and culture.
Mima loved to make her own wine and would love to visit a local Italian lady to make sure she was getting the finest grapes.
Mima loved to cook, to bake, sharing recipes and methods with her family that they still follow today.
She was a proud and caring lady, who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, she had a funny story and tale to tell and more songs that she shared, she loved to entertain and to make everyone laugh, she loved to laugh lots too. She would talk so fondly of her life when she was younger and always spoke about how important it was to live your life! She loved to raise a glass and toast Saluti or sing Sto lat- so with this in mind we ask you all raise your glass to her!

We will love you always Dearest Mima, a beautiful mum, grandma, great grandma, Aunty and friend. Saluti Tutti
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