Erminia Bastianich, endearingly known as “Grandma” to fans of her daughter Lidia Bastianich’s show “Lidia’s Italy,” appeared frequently on TV to offer kitchen tips or recount a memory that added a special touch to chef Lidia’s recipes. On Feb. 19, 2021, Lidia broke the tragic news that her mother had passed away.

Lidia wrote on Twitter, “My dear mother, Erminia [...] passed away quietly at home with me and the immediate family several days ago.” Fans were heartbroken, and one Twitter user wrote, “So sorry for your loss Lidia. [...] Cant imagine her entire beautiful life was like in both Italy and [the U.S.] for 100 years!”

Erminia Mattichio was once a school teacher in present-day Croatia, and escaped communist Yugoslavia with her children in 1956, moving to Italy. After reuniting with her husband Vittorio, the couple brought their children to America and settled in New York. Lidia recalls that Grandma remained “alert” at age 99, and she is no doubt missed by fans to this day.