Antonietta Soares

Antonietta Soares Our beloved "Nonna" passed into the arms of the Lord on February 6, 2018, at the age of 91 in Visalia, California. Born Antonia Pulignano on June 8, 1926, she was the third child of eight born to Gabriele and Teresa Putignano in Palagiano, Italy. In 1947, she married Lorenzo Mangini and they had three children Nicolette, Theresa and Paul. In 1955 with children in tow, Nonna immigrated to the United States to join Lorenzo. Later two more children were born Anna and Gabriel. Together they build a farming legacy in the Visalia area. Lorenzo died in 1967. Nonna continued farming on her own for the next six years until meeting and marrying Manuel Soares, they shared almost 40 years together before Manuel passed in 2010. Nonna enjoyed bowling, traveling (especially to visit family in Italy), gardening and canning. Proud of her Italian heritage she loved to cook and share her skills and recipes with friends and family. Using vegetables from her garden, she could create the most delectable meals (always with pasta) - it was her passion. Thursday nights became family dinner nights at Nonna's and the tradition continued until just days before her death. If you were lucky to attend one of these events and declined a second helping from Nonna, be prepared, "What's a matter you don't like my cooking!", she would exclaim. You took seconds! For many years, she ran a daycare in her home taking care of many children. Nonna was also a Gleanor in Visalia serving the community as a drop point manager; something she said kept her young. Nonna loved her family unconditionally and Nonna we loved you too! She will be dearly missed. She was predeceased by her parents, all seven of her siblings, her two husbands and two grandsons Anthony Zotti and John-Paul Yost. She is survived by her children, Nicolete, Theresa, Paul, Anna and Gabriel. Three stepsons Johnny, Manuel, and Danny Soares. Fourteen grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, Several great great grandchildren and many extended family members in Italy. On Sunday February 11, 2018, an open house Memorial will be held at Nonna's call (559) 625-9093 for more information. Services will be on Monday, February 12, 2018, 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes can be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Antonietta Soares

June 8, 1926 - February 6, 2018