Gisella Floreanini 

My name is Gisella Floreanini, but everyone calls me the “Tiger of Ossola,” and now I will tell you my story.

I was born in Milan on April 3, 1906.

When the fascist regime came to power, I immediately opposed it.

In 1942, I joined the Italian Communist Party, returned to Italy, and took part in the Resistance. I was arrested and imprisoned in Lugano. During the 40 days of the Ossola Republic, I took on the role of Commissioner for Welfare, becoming the first woman to hold a ministerial position in Italy at a time when women did not even have the right to vote.

After Domodossola was reoccupied by the Nazi-fascists, I did not flee to Switzerland like the others. Instead, I traveled on foot to Valsesia and joined the Garibaldi brigades.

After the Liberation of Italy, I became part of the War Damage Commission and participated in organizing the “trains of happiness,” which transported over seventy thousand children from the South to Central and Northern Italy, including one train from Domodossola to Switzerland.

I was awarded the Gold Medal of the Resistance and was elected to the Chamber of Deputies for two terms. I co-founded the Italian Women’s Union and accepted an assignment to move to East Berlin.

When I returned to Italy, I resumed my political activity until the day I died, on May 30, 1993, at the age of 87, in Milan. However, I am happy that my final wish was honored: to be buried in Domodossola!

I am certain that one day my memory and my efforts will remain alive in the minds of many people.