Born and grew up in Egypt
1932 May 21
Created by Rio 12 years agoDespina was born on May 21, 1932 in Alexandria, Egypt. Her parents were from Athens, so at home they spoke Greek. Yet Italian was a common language in Egypt and so Despina learned that too. Years later in South Africa she met her future husband Mariano (from Sicily) because, he claims, 'I thought she was Italian'.
Pictures
Despina as a toddler
Despina as a child with her father, 3 sisters (all seated) and brother (centre back)
Despina as a teen with older sister Georgia and younger sister Yiassemoula
Quite a looker in her day
Enjoying the sun in Alexandria
Despina was always slim