Amalia G. Scipioni

Surrounded by family, “Nonna” was welcomed into Heaven on March 7, 2025.

Amalia G. (Baiocco) Scipioni was born November 17th, 1930 to Ersilia & Angelo Baiocco in Montelago, Prov. Ancona, Italy.

Raised in the Italian mountain valley alongside her 8 siblings, she witnessed and experienced profound wartime hardship, but also had fond memories of her old country childhood. She learned early that survival was often synonymous with caretaking, primarily when it involved family. This would become Amalia’s legacy as “everyone’s Nonna.”

She married David Scipioni, on October 7, 1950 at Fonte Avellana, Prov. Marche, Italy. Unable to speak a word of English, Amalia then emigrated to Hibbing, MN to start her American life with David. Together they raised Joanne, David, and Anna.

As a devout parishioner of St. Leo’s Parish and later Blessed Sacrament Parish, Amalia could be found in the same spot and pew at Wednesday and Sunday mass. Her grandkids have fond memories of sliding up next to her to listen to her sing, sometimes in Latin. She often snuck in an after-mass treat or two for them (like a Sunrise Bakery glazed donut). If you had met her even once, it was likely Amalia prayed for you. She very much believed in Heaven and to the end was excited and ready to go Home.

Amalia’s feasts of Italian sugo, fresh bread, handmade pasta and homemade vino were well known amongst family and friends, and over-eating was required in her presence. Visitors would leave with a hand-knitted washcloth or a pizzelle (or two) for the road.

If you reached Amalia’s voicemail, it was because she was busy playing cards. She was a feisty opponent in her daily games of canasta, smear, or 31 - it didn’t matter the game - she never let anyone win and played for keeps.

Amalia spent many wonderful years as a 4-season resident at the family cabin on Hartley lake, walking for miles down the country roads, peddling her paddle boat around the lake, and playing many a late night game of cards with visitors. Most importantly, she was a proud camp cook during deer season and loved every second of feeding the hunters at the end of a long day. Frequently perched on the hearth near a roaring fire, Amalia found peace at their place nestled in the pines.

Nonna’s greatest joy in life were her grandchildren. From small babies to grown adults, she knew how each of them liked their pasta cooked and what color socks they preferred she knit for them. Feeding them, playing with them, singing with them - her love for them was truly unconditional. No one knew how to give a back scratch quite like our Nonna.

Peace at last, in Heaven’s embrace. You are incredibly missed, Nonna.

Per Nonna's wishes, a private family mass will be held.

Amalia was preceded in death by her mother & father Ersilia & Angelo Baiocco; mother & father-in-law Giovanna & Angelo Scipioni; an infant son; husband David; brother Santino Baiocco; and sisters Erina, Maria and Annunciata Baiocco.

She is survived by her siblings, Veronica, Alfonso, and Caterina Baiocco; children Joanne (Jason) Schwartz, David (Shannon) Scipioni, Anna (Ray Jr.) Pierce; grandchildren Christina (Nate) Hayes, Miranda (Sam) Cook, Raymond Pierce, Amalia Scipioni, Travis Pierce, and Austin Pierce; great-grandchildren Harper Hayes, and Claire & Lucy Cook.