Iginio Emilianis’, Sandra’s maternal Grandfather, family was from Sassoferrato in the Province of Ancona located in the Marche Region of Italy. Iginio first came to America in November of 1901. His uncle, Luigi Nataloni, who resided in Eynon, Pennsylvania, paid his passage and initially provided him with a place to live. He was able to get work and eventually sent for his wife, Giovanna Mercanti. Giovanna was born in Coldellanoce. It is a very small town tucked away on a hillside near Sassofarrato. Its population is fewer than 100 people. Iginio and Giovanna were married in 1909. A month after they were married, the couple set sail to America on the S.S. Romanic. They would make their home in Scranton, PA. They had three daughters, Innese (who died after birth), Veila, and Olga – Sandra’s mother.
