The Sammy’s Pizza family in mourning

The Northland has lost the matriarch of Sammy’s Pizza. The family of Louise Perrella says Louise, or Grandma Nunu to her loved ones, has passed away.

In a statement her family says their hearts are heavy as they say goodbye to Grandma Nunu and the special heart behind Sammy’s.

Louise was born in to Italian immigrants in 1922 and worked in her parent’s restaurant in Michigan growing up, learning the importance of a good work ethic and a love for serving others. She met Sam Perrella and the two were married in 1948, starting their family and a wonderful legacy.

After opening their own small café on the Iron Range, the two heard stories from World War II veterans about a food called pizza they ate while serving in Italy. With nothing like it in the region, the pair decided to recreate these traditional flavors and in 1954 they moved their café to Hibbing, this became the first Sammy’s Pizza.

Recipes served at all Sammy’s locations were created, tested and perfected by Grandma Nunu herself. Guests who order the spaghetti sauce, meatballs, ravioli and gnocchi experience a taste of sitting in her kitchen. The secret ingredient truly is love and we are proud to have been serving her dishes throughout the generations.

In her 101 years of life, Grandma Nunu raised a legacy in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. She always held herself with class and grace and instilled in her children the same values of caring for others, hard work and treating everyone like family.

A funeral will be held on Monday, May 20 to celebrate Grandma Nunu’s life and legacy.