1. The Younger Years Olga Picarella

2. Parents Immigrants Vasto, Italy Mother: July 4, 1920, 17 yrs. Strong, dedicated homemaker Father: 1921, 23 yrs. Insurance Agent Married: 2 years after arriving

3. Siblings 1 st born: Oresto Died @ age 5, heart failure Mom: 20 Dad: 25 2 nd born: Gilda Mom: 24 Dad: 29 3 rd born: Olga Mom: 29 Dad: 34

4. Stephen Gerard Elementary School Vare Junior High School South Philadelphia High School for Girls Close to home- walked! Cheerleader School Days

5. Church, Fun, Friends St. Monica’s Catholic Church: South Philadelphia Playing in street, roller- skating, bikes, jump rope Movies, time with sister and friends “Having fun with nothing!”

6. The Man in Uniform Olga: 19 yrs old Navy: 1948 Served 3 of 4 before meeting Wrote regularly Stationed: Norfolk, VA Weekend surprises!

7. Dream Wedding

8. Married: 2 months shy of 21 So nervous- all a blur! “I vividly remember my husband’s happiness.” 11:00, breakfast, reception…fancy!

9. Honeymoon Welcome to Miami! Scheduled 2 weeks Decided to leave after 1 week “Stupid? You bet!”

10. Memories of Turmoil Pearl Harbor: 9 yrs old Sheltered and naïve Rationing: sugar and cigarettes Celebrating: father drove honking horns Recall FDR’s death and end of WWII FDR speech on radio: “A day that would live in infamy”

11. Beginning a Family Joseph: 1954 Mom- 22 yrs Dad- 26 yrs Karen: 1957 Mom- 25 yrs Dad- 29 yrs Michael: 1960 Mom- 28 yrs Dad- 32 yrs

12. Reflection: My Younger Self “ Love and respect are key. Have good manners, good friendships, be kind to yourself and others. Don’t be greedy, be patient, be tolerant, and remember that everything doesn’t have to happen yesterday.” “I wish I were able to do more. I should have been more inquisitive and asked more questions.”

13. Mom-Mom

14. Look What Love Has Made