A very long-time friend of Marina Cicogna, Ljuba Rosa Rizzoli, 91 years old, says sadly on the phone from her home in Monte Carlo: “We have spoken to Marina often, recently even more often.”
“A few hours before his death. Now I feel much more alone. Not only am I losing a great friend, but I am also losing the person who protected me. Until she fell into the vortex of illness with no return. When the tumor was diagnosed (she called it “that”), she was given a life expectancy of two months; it took three years.
What did Marina Cicogna mean to you other than friendship?
“An important reference point. And if we want to go back in time, a master of style. I remember that she praised my elegance, but she, a woman of great world, gave me valuable suggestions on the art of receiving. He took care of every detail. And more than that, he passed on his culture to me.”
So Ljuba feels indebted to Marina in addition to the pain?
“Yes. I don’t hesitate to reveal that he has given me advice on what to do, especially recently when I was also having some financial problems. He even sent letters asking for credit on my behalf. Great marina! He found a solution for everything.”
While we are on the phone, Benedetta, her adopted daughter, who has been Stork’s life partner for many years, calls from another line. Let’s listen to the short conversation between her and Ljuba Rizzoli. “She died when she was 12,” says Benedetta. He’s still lying in his bed. And Lyuba: “Has the priest come?” “No, it should arrive soon.” “What color did you dress her? And have your relatives heard from you?” “We don’t want anyone,” Benedetta interrupts. And Ljuba comments: “An example of devotion and affection.” He never left Marina alone. Who, apart from the maid, only wanted Benedetta in the house. He didn’t want the nurse or anyone else.
Ljuba, how did your friendship with Marina begin?
When did you meet? “Back in 1957. A time when I was feeling bad. I was in crisis due to disappointment in love. Depressed, sleepless. The fact is that Ettore Tagliabue (Petroleum Industry, ed.), my ex, sent me to the Posta Hotel in Cortina to recover after a hospital stay in Milan. And in this hotel I met Marina. She looked at me sympathetically, admiring my clothes, the diamond I wore on my finger. I her blonde hair. So much so that I went to the hairdresser. I imitated her and asked for a cut like hers.
“The friendship became stronger. Marina was also there when my relationship began with Andrea, the son of “Cumenda”, the publisher Angelo Rizzoli. And when my daughter Isabella was born, she was her godmother at the baptism.”
Did the beautiful world of Marina Cicogna coincide with that of Ljuba Rizzoli, the wife of an important publisher and film producer?
“Partly yes. But in terms of high society, she was very far away. There were countless friendships and contacts. When I lived on the French Riviera in Cap Ferrat and was often left alone for days by Andrea busy with his business, Marina would come and organize parties with the international jet set. Once he even passed off our villa as his. On these occasions he gave me lessons in style: the table had to be set in a certain way, no labels with the names of the guests, etc. Faraway times. Today I prefer to remember her as a loving shoulder when dealing with life’s problems. The serious ones.”