Connecticut Mourning Loss of Marsiella Auriemma, Geno's Mom

STORRS, CT — Connecticut is mourning the loss of Marsiella Auriemma, the mother of University of Connecticut and Naismith Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma.

UConn officials announced her passing Monday. Marsiella Auriemma was 91 and died at her Pensylvania home on Dec. 8, according to her obituary.

UConn released a statement:

"The UConn women’s basketball program is saddened by the loss of Geno Auriemma’s mother, Marsiella Auriemma. Known as Nonna by family and friends, Marsiella was the definition of the American dream and inspired so many of us during her incredible life. She is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was Born in Montella, Italy on June 11, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Alessandro and Angiolina (Romaniello) Biancaniello. In 1961, she traveled from Italy with Geno and his two siblings to join her husband, Donato, in Norristown, PA.

"The Auriemma household was filled with warmth, the aroma of Italian cooking, and the sound of children laughing," her obituary says. "She enjoyed tending her vegetable garden, taking long walks with her grandchildren, and knitting or crocheting. Today, everyone treasures their cozy blankets and scarves handmade by Nonna."

She maintained a family tradition of never allowing anyone to leave her house hungry.

She also enjoyed watching UConn Women’s Basketball games on TV, but kept her eyes closed if the team wasn’t winning by 20 points or more.

See her all obituary here.