In a deeply emotional segment on the television show Verissimo, Clizia Incorvaia opened up about the profound loss of her mother-in-law, Eleonora Giorgi, who passed away at the age of 71 after battling pancreatic cancer. Clizia described the void that Eleonora left not just in her life, but in the lives of her family, showcasing both her pain and the lessons she learned from the strong woman she admired.
Speaking through tears, Clizia expressed, "Mi manca tantissimo" (I miss her so much), focusing on the deep connection they shared. She recalled Eleonora as a free-spirited individual who embraced life until the very end. "Eleonora was not just a mother-in-law, but a friend, a confidante, and a guiding light in my life. She understood me better than anyone else, perhaps even more than my own mother or husband,” Clizia reflected. This connection built over years culminated in an understanding that transcended words.
In touching recollections, Clizia shared special moments with Eleonora. Just days before her passing, Eleonora gifted Clizia's daughter, Nina, a wooden box filled with colored pencils, proclaiming, "You are an artist." She urged Clizia to tell her son Gabriele, "Digli che io sto litigando con Dio, perché non me ne voglio andare" (Tell him that I am arguing with God because I don’t want to leave). This poignant moment encapsulated Eleonora's spirit—one of creativity, love, and an unyielding desire to remain with her family.
Eleonora’s influence extended beyond just familial bonds—she imparted vital life lessons that shaped Clizia's views on relationships. "Non dimenticate mai di essere amanti, complici" (Never forget to be lovers, accomplices), Clizia recounted, illustrating Eleonora's encouragement for her and her husband, Paolo, to maintain their romantic connection despite the challenges of parenthood.
However, after Eleonora's passing, Clizia faced a media storm. She returned to work shortly after the funeral, and this decision drew criticism from some quarters. "C’è il pregiudizio che, quando subisci un lutto, tu debba farti sopraffare dal dolore" (There is a prejudice that when you suffer a loss, you should be overwhelmed by grief), Clizia noted. Her assertion highlights a societal expectation of grief—one that feels unjust to her. She expressed her desire to embody strength, not just for herself, but for the sake of her children, Gabriele and Nina, insisting, "I didn’t want them to see a depressed mother, but rather someone who stands strong in the face of adversity. I know that's what Eleonora would have wanted for me."
Clizia’s sentiments also included reflections on Eleonora's career struggles following her separation from prominent producer Angelo Rizzoli. Clizia lamented, "Il cinema ha snobbato tanto Eleonora Giorgi dopo la sua separazione da Rizzoli" (The cinema has snubbed Eleonora Giorgi after her separation from Rizzoli), emphasizing how society often forgives men for their choices while harshly judging women who choose independence and strength. As Clizia pointedly remarked, "A un uomo indipendente viene perdonato tutto. A una donna, mai" (A strong, independent man is forgiven everything. A woman, never). This perspective addresses the double standards women continue to face.
Clizia's emotional sharing not only paid tribute to Eleonora’s life and legacy but also exposed the harsh realities many families encounter during times of loss. She further commented on how grief is often scrutinized and compartmentalized by societal norms. In her candid reflections, she acknowledged, "I don’t know if I managed to tell her everything I wanted. I believe in the eternity of the soul and that we will all reunite. This belief helps me cope with negative thoughts about what I could have said more."
Ultimately, Clizia Incorvaia’s poignant reflections on Eleonora Giorgi resonate well beyond the walls of mourning; they underscore the importance of cherishing memories and embracing life’s unpredictability while acknowledging the hurdles women face along their paths. As she faces the challenges ahead, Clizia embraces the lessons learned from Eleonora—fostering resilience, love, and the strength to navigate life’s tumultuous waters.
