The emotion at Ornella’s funeral: “It was universal”

It was impossible to count the number of people gathered in front of San Marco in Brera. The church is packed and everyone is standing waiting for the coffin, while the crowd shouts: «Hello Ornella, long live Ornella!». To the funerals by Ornella Vanoni there are both institutions, from Mayor Sala to the President of the Senate Ignazio la Russa, and friendly faces, such as Fabio Fazio and Luciana Littizzetto. A large composition of yellow flowers, the singer’s favorite color, is placed on the coffin, while Don Luigi Garbini celebrates the function.

Among those present at the funeral in the first benches there are also Ron, Mara Maionchi, Dori Ghezzi, Roberto Vecchioni, Gianna Nannini, Iva Zanicchi. Also present were Vanoni’s son and grandchildren, as well as his historic assistant, Veronica De Andreis. The coffin covered in yellow roses entered the church accompanied by family members, while the whole church applauded. “His language was universalthe songs are like the lights of this church that represent us even when we are not there” says Don Garbini in the homily. “Ornella’s story is our personal story and that of all of Italy. The end we experience today is actually a beginning. Ornella prepares for a night of serenity. In a film by Zurlini, Ornella sang ‘Tomorrow is another day’ and there was all the beauty of her ability to give love. Ornella was a sincere artist who spoke without filters about her depression. Melancholy pervaded his songs but there was also a lot of irony. His lyrics belong to us because they are spiritual and everyday at the same time.”

The notes of “The Appointment” played by resound in the church Paolo Fresuas publicly requested by Vanoni herself. The words of Matteo, his nephewson of Cristiano Ardenzi: “You were a grandmother, but for me you were also and above all much more: you were the one who made me doodles before sleeping, took me to her shows introducing me as her boyfriend, who threatened to disinherit me if I didn’t pass my university exams, who asked me what Blu and Tic Tic was, who sent me 3 or 4 minute audios. I would never have believed it, even if you told me, love, do you know that sooner or later I will have to die?

Another granddaughter, Camilla, also shares some words with emotion: “She was sweet and bitter, in the story of her life we recognize her greatness. We all loved her and we all wanted to be loved by her. When my grandmother loved you the world was painted in brighter colors and when she pointed the headlights on you she made you feel that greatness of hers inside, and you were great and special too. This is why when these headlights went out, we missed them and felt small. I can say this as a family member but perhaps other people who had known her all their lives felt it, as did passers-by at a single meeting, radiated by her warmth and her sincere embrace. I carry a part of you inside methank you for the honor, forever. You are eternal.” Then she briefly intones: “Without end, you are an endless moment”, surrounded by tears and applause.