Nancy’s recipe for a long life

Good food, a loving family and good friends are also behind the well-travelled matriarch’s longevity.

The former restaurateur celebrated twice, at a birthday morning tea with Italian Aged Care residents and an afternoon tea with her ever-growing family.

Tuscan-born Mrs Carmig-nani sailed to Australia in 1936 with young daughters Carla and Lea to join husband Ferruccio, who arrived first.

Although times were hard, the family established themselves at Lyall’s Mill near Collie, where sons Tony and John were born.

In 1948, they moved to Perth and set up La Tosca Cafe, in what is now Northbridge.

The couple cooked authentic Tuscan food, working long hours to feed hundreds of new migrants who flocked to the restaurant to sample a taste of home, socialise with other Italians and learn about jobs, sports and social events.

After retiring, the couple travelled and continued producing family feasts, which remain a talking point today.

Mrs Carmignani’s husband died in 1990, aged 87.

She heads a family of four children, 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

‘Hard work and eating well have helped her live a long life,’ son Tony said.