Meet Catherine Candela

PIA Special Project & Photo Specialist

 

Catherine has devoted over 35 years to her own family's genealogical research. Her intense interest in family was inspired as a little girl. She was heavily influenced by her nonna and uncle who immigrated to Michigan in 1938. Although her mom was born in 1940 America, she raised Catherine steeped in Poggiorealesi traditions and Italian was her first language! Her love of family was inspired by her relatives, and early on she started collecting 150 years of photos of family and events in Poggioreale and other towns like Roccamana, Partinco, & Palermo.

 

Catherine’s collection boasts rare books, including a first edition 1956 book written by and signed by Father Francesco Aloisio, along with other documents. Catherine created her family tree and history by hand based upon her personal discussions with living relatives and studying their precious photos. Catherine’s grandmothers both taught her not only the Sicilian language, but also many of their important traditions, like St. Joseph’s Day. Catherine has kept in close contact with her families from Sicily and looks forward to retiring there one day.

 

To contact Catherine, you can reach her at:

Phone 734 560 1709 or italymomma1709@gmail.com