Maria Dimasi murder: heartfelt family tribute to beloved Nonna ‘who warmed the hearts of many’

The family of an Adelaide great-grandmother allegedly murdered in her own home has paid an emotional tribute to a beloved cook who “warmed the hearts of many”.

The family of an Adelaide great-grandmother allegedly murdered in her own home has paid an emotional tribute to a beloved cook who “warmed the hearts of many”.

Nonna Maria Dimasi, 85, was stabbed multiple times to her head, upper body and legs at her Thornton St home, in Findon, on Saturday night after attending an Italian community event.

Her husband Francesco, “Frank”, Dimasi, 91, has been charged with her murder after authorities were called to their home of 60 years at 11.20pm.

In their first public statement, issued through police late on Monday, the couple’s family paid tribute to Mrs Dimasi, who was a “loving mother to her four children, her 10 grandchildren and a great grandmother to 13” as they “remember the wonderful woman that she was”.

“Maria had a caring nature and shared love and happiness to those around her,” they said.

“Maria was the centre of our family, bringing us together to care for and support each other. “Family was everything to Maria, and she was everything to her family.

Findon murder victim Nonna Maria Dimasi was a passionate and dedicated supporter of Nonna's Cucina. Picture: Facebook

“Maria has warmed the hearts of many and we would like to extend our gratitude for the support the community has provided as we come to terms with our loss.”

They added: “The support truly shows that Maria was loved by many and has made a positive impact to the community.

“We will always remember Maria for her warmth, caring nature, compassion and her beautiful smile.”

The family, who are involved in the taxpayer-funded community meal service Nonna’s Cucina, said the beloved cook loved sharing her knowledge with others.

“Maria enjoyed sharing her passion for cooking, including teaching others and through her voluntary contribution at Nonna’s Cucina,” they said.

“We thank Nonna’s Cucina for supporting Maria to share her joy with the community.

“The past few days have been difficult for our family as we process the grief of losing our beautiful mother and Nonna.”

Murder victim Maria "Nonna" Dimasi ". Photo: facebook

Murder victim Maria "Nonna" Dimasi ". Photo: facebook

They will come together as a family in the coming days, they said and “share the life of Maria Dimasi and the positive impact she made on many”.

They also thanked emergency services who helped at the crime scene and in the aftermath of SA’s six domestic-related killing in the past 18 days.

“We would also like to forward our sincere appreciation to the emergency services for the support they have provided during this difficult time, and for the hard work they perform,” they said.

The family, who are well known in Adelaide’s Italian community, did not mention the husband by name.

As investigations continue, floral tributes are being left outside the home the couple shared for six decades.

Mrs Dimasi volunteered her time at Nonna’s Cucina where her grandson is the executive chef of the taxpayer-funded community meal service.

Nonna’s Cucina president Rebecca Staltari described the Italian matriarch as a “passionate and dedicated” support of the enterprise.

“We are forever grateful for her time, energy, friendship and love, given over so many years,” Ms Staltari said.

“Nonna Maria is our Executive Chef Stefan’s Nonna, and also became everyone elses Nonna in our community.

“She will be remembered for her big smile and generosity.

“Nonna Maria loved volunteering in our kitchen, cooking traditional recipes and passing on her knowledge.

“She loved us, and we loved her.

“We will miss her immensely and are forever grateful for her love, support and friendship.”

The tribute was signed: “Love from the Nonna’s Cucina Family.”