Hout Bay mourns the loss of beloved ice cream shop owner Liana Lazzarotto

TAURIQ HASSEN

The Hout Bay community is mourning the loss of Liana "Nonna" Lazzarotto, owner of the local ice-cream store Ice Dream, who died at her Italian home on Tuesday, June 10.

Liana, who launched the store with her brother Luigi, was instrumental in establishing one of Cape Town's oldest Italian gelaterias, serving in-house scoops since 1993 and was known for her warm smile behind the counter. 

Following her departure, tributes have been pouring in across social media, reflecting on the mark she left on the community.

"Our heartfelt condolences to the Ice Dream family. We were saddened to hear of the passing of Liana, the beloved mother of the Ice Dream family," one friend noted.

"Ice Dream has been a part of the Hout Bay community since 1993, and Liana’s warmth and legacy have touched many lives."

Wendy Senekal, a devoted customer, shared, "Oh no, that’s so so sad, we just saw her a few weeks ago! She was always happy, with a radiant smile and always ready for a chat and an ice cream of course.

"We shared a favourite flavour (sour cherry)! Fabrizio, condolences to you and your family. Hout Bay has lost a piece of its heart, but heaven has gained an angel. Rest in peace dear Mama Liana."

Mia Maria Gebhardt reflected on how the shop marked her first ice cream experience in Cape Town, saying, "What a beautiful angel to now be on her journey on the other side. May she be filled with love and laughter as she was on our sweet Mother Earth!! My parents moved to Cape Town when I was little and later we moved to Hout Bay - but when we had our first ice cream in Cape Town, it was hers and the passion was clear. On both sides."

The personal stories shared in tribute paint a picture of a woman whose influence transcended the simple act of serving ice cream.

The family could not be reached by the time the story was published.