Lauretta Moretto (7 Feb 1925 - 10 Jan 2026)

Our Amazing Mamma

Lauretta Picariello Moretto was born in 1925 in Montemarano, Avellino, the fourth of six siblings. From a young age, she showed the strength, kindness, and determination that would define her entire life.

She married our father Mario in 1950, and in 1952 their first son, Michele, was born. Life in Italy was difficult, but Mum faced it with courage and hope. In 1954, Dad travelled to Uruguay to try to create a better future for the family, joining Mum’s sister and brother. When the economy failed, Mum held the family together with love, resilience, and endless patience, supported by her parents and guided by her deep sense of family.

In 1960, Grandad Michele passed away suddenly. Although the family hoped to reunite abroad, Grandma Rosina chose to remain in Italy, and Dad, her only son, returned home. Soon after, Gino was born, bringing new joy to the family.

In 1961, Dad made another brave journey, this time to England. Mum once again showed remarkable strength, caring for two young children and Grandma until the family could be reunited in the UK in 1962, staying with Dad’s cousin’s family. Life for immigrants was not easy, but Mum met every challenge with grace and determination. She worked tirelessly, and with a heartbreaking but loving decision, entrusted Gino to Grandma’s care in Italy for four years, until the family was able to settle into their own home.

Mum and Dad worked six days a week in Birmingham, building a future through hard work and sacrifice. Family time was precious, and every effort was made with love, so they could buy their first house. When Michele married and moved to Nottingham, Mum encouraged Dad to follow. At the age of 50, they once again embraced change, starting a new chapter with the same courage that had guided them all their lives. Dad worked at Pork Farm, and Mum worked wherever she was needed.

Mum had a rare gift for making people feel welcome. She loved having family around her and found great happiness in cooking traditional Italian food, feeding both body and soul. In retirement, Mum and Dad enjoyed spending summer months back in their village, reconnecting with their roots and lifelong friends, until Dad’s disability made travelling difficult.

Mum devoted herself to caring for Dad until his passing in 2018. Though heartbroken, she continued forward with dignity, strength, and a generous heart, just as she always had. She was a woman of quiet heroism, endless love, and unwavering resilience.

We will remember her warm smile, her open home, her comforting food, and the love she gave so freely. Her strength lives on in all of us.

Goodbye, Mum.
Forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

Michele & Gino
xxx