January 27, 1937 – February 28, 2024 (age 87)
Romana Maria Agness Atzeni Wilcox was born on January 27, 1937 in Asmara, Eritrea, Africa. To Letteslasie Habtom. Despite contracting polio at a young age, she had a strong will and was determined to do everything the other children did and taught herself to walk. Romana was sent to an Italian Catholic orphanage/boarding school from the age of 3 until 15. In her teen years, Romana was able to find a job with a sewing factory and became a talented seamstress. She had incredible work ethic and was promoted to be a teacher and supervisor over the other girls, some of whom became her life-long friends. She continued to use her sewing skills for work and for other hobbies through life.
She met a handsome G.I., named Phillip Wilcox, at an Army dancing club and they were married soon after. Romana had always longed to be a mother and was blessed with her oldest daughter Lora.
In 1970, Romana, Phil and Lora moved to America and settled in Phoenix, Arizona where they welcomed their second daughter, Lisa. Romana loved America and was so proud to be able to become a United States citizen. She worked hard to learn English and strove to live the “American dream.” During the time she lived in Phoenix, she became a Certified Nurse Assistant. She loved her job and was proud that she was able to help others and make them feel better. She then moved to Nibley, Utah to live with her oldest daughter, Lora, and her family. She enjoyed travelling and would often visit her younger daughter, Lisa. Together her daughters helped her through many health trials until she was no longer able to travel. She survived many challenges in life, and through the support of her family, close friends and her strong faith and love of God, was able to maintain her positive outlook on life. She lived in Nibley, Utah for the remainder of her life where she enjoyed time with her many close friends and family.
Romana loved to share her African heritage and Italian influences with her loved ones. She was a foodie who loved to make dishes like Zigini, Injera with her children and grandchildren. She loved to gift people Panettone and snack on Biscotti with her coffee. She was an animal lover and would spoil all of her pets with treats and affection. Her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and knew her as “Nanny” or “crazy lady.” Romana thrived in social situations and loved spending quality time with her close friends and family. Romana always found the silver lining in any situation; she loved to joke and laugh. Her smile was contagious and she freely gave her love to everyone she came in contact with. Romana was a blessing to everyone who met her and always brightened their day with her infectious laugh. We ask all who knew Romana to honor her memory by sharing a smile and a bit of joy with others.
Romana was proceeded in death by her parents, her brother (Andrea Atzeni), and her sister (Anna Dalmasso).
She is survived by her two daughters Lora Hendrickson (Kerry) and Lisa Wilcox, her 4 grandchildren Joshua Hendrickson (Callie), Cody Hendrickson (Shaylee), Raven Murphy (Ian) and Thalia Wilcox, and 6 great-grandchildren Naomi, Colter, Zailey, Lily, Laini and Winry.
Services will be held:
Friday, March 8 th , 2024
Nibley Stake Center 3701 S. 450 W. Nibley, UT
Condolences to the family from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm,
Followed by the funeral service at 3:00 pm
A celebration of life will be held that evening from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Samples of African food and other light refreshments will be available and there will be an open mic for any who would like to share sweet and fun memories.
Those who would like to share stories about Romana can also contact Lora Hendrickson personally or share stories in the comments. Stories will be compiled in a book to share with her family members.
In lieu of flowers, you can donate to a savings account for Romana’s great-grandchildren. Venmo to @lorahendrickson
Thank you all for the love and friendship you shared with our sweet Romana.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Cache Valley Mortuary.