Veneranda Leone Kaib, known to her friends as Nuccia, loved a good story. Her own began in Genova, Italy, in 1941 and took her from a childhood in Buon Pastore, a Catholic girls’ school in Acireale, to a new life across the Atlantic, with family and friendships that grew along the way until her passing in October 2026.

In Naples, she met Jim, a Navy sailor from Ohio who would become her husband. They married, moved to the United States, and had two sons who were the joy of her life.

Nuccia learned English through television and books, with a love of reading that stayed with her throughout her life. Novels filled with fantasy worlds and adventures were favorites. If there was a dragon in it, she read it. There was always another story to discover.

She was widely known as an outstanding cook. Self-taught, she made everything from scratch with lasagna and risotto balls as specialties. When the family stationed in Rota, Spain, she was every bit the pinball wizard as her sons, often joining them to play for hours. Her talents also extended to the bowling alley, where her tiny stature gave little indication of what she could do with a bowling ball. A member of many teams over the years that traveled nationwide to tournaments, she threw a solid ball and had an admirable average.

Later in life, Nuccia worked at the movie theater concession stand on the Navy base in Pensacola. There she made many friends, especially the young sailors passing through that she called her “kids.”

In her 80s, she moved from Florida to Atlanta and quickly became a beloved part of her senior community at Hammond Glen. With her ready smile and knack for knowing everyone’s name by writing them in her notebook, she made new friends. She also became known for her bingo card selection which often became winners.

Nuccia was preceded in death by James Sr., her husband of more than 50 years as well as her father Salvatore Leone, mother Erminia, brother Franco and sister Maria. She is survived by her sons, James Kaib Jr. and Paul, and Paul’s wife, Tammy Jo of Marietta, Georgia; her grandson, Michael, his wife, Johnny and her great-grandson, Levi of Jacksonville, Florida. Also brothers-in-law Robert and Thomas Kaib and their wives Peggy and Gail all in Arizona.

If you’d like to contribute a remembrance, consider the American Cancer Society or a local Humane Society for the “grand dogs” who loved her.

Georgia Cremation in Duluth is assisting the family with arrangements.