The family of a great-grandmother who was allegedly murdered by her husband have shared their heartbreak.
Maria Dimasi, 85, was found dead inside her Findon home on Saturday night with her blood soaked husband Frank, 91, still sitting in the kitchen.
He was charged with her murder while recovering in hospital from injuries believed to be self-inflicted.
The great-grandmother’s family issued a statement on Monday night saying she was a “loving mother” to her four children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
“Maria had a caring nature and shared love and happiness to those around her,” the statement said.
“She was the centre of our family, bringing us together to care for and support each other.
“Family was everything to Maria, and she was everything to her family.”
The family said the past few days have been “difficult” as they “process the grief of losing our beautiful mother and Nonna.”
“We ask that we have privacy while we process our grief and remember the wonderful woman that she was.”
They said the outpouring of community support showed she had “warmed the hearts of many” and they were grateful for all the support as they “come to terms with our loss”.
“We will always remember Maria for her warmth, caring nature, compassion and her beautiful smile,” the statement said.
They said she enjoyed sharing her passion for cooking and teaching others during her time as volunteer at Nonna’s Cucina.
“We thank Nonna’s Cucina for supporting Maria to share her joy with the community,” they said.
Nonna’s Cucina president Rebecca Staltari broke the news to Nonna’s Cucina customers saying it was with “great sadness”.
“We are forever grateful for her time, energy, friendship and love, given over so many years,” she said.
“Nonna Maria is our Executive Chef Stefan’s Nonna, and also became everyone else’s Nonna in our community.”
“She loved volunteering in our kitchen, cooking traditional recipes and passing on her knowledge.
“She loved us, and we loved her. We will miss her immensely and are forever grateful for her love, support and friendship.”
“She deserved it”: Husband’s shocking alleged admission
Mr Dimasi’s case appeared for the first time at Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, where it was heard Mr Dimasi had dialled triple-0 and told police he had killed his wife.
Police officers arrived on scene within six minutes and found Mr Dimasi sitting in the kitchen with blood on his clothing, arms and hands, the court heard.
The prosecution told the court they will allege Mr Dimasi said he was “sorry” he killed his wife and that she “deserved it”.
Officers searched the house and found Mrs Dimasi with significant wounds to her head and upper body.
While speaking to Mr Dimasi, the court heard the elderly man drifted in and out of consciousness and a blood sample taken from him later at the hospital revealed a blood-alcohol reading of 0.36.