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Lost, then Found
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 Norma Gillis, left, became lost during a recent vacation in Italy and was missing nearly six days. She is pictured above with her granddaughter Christina, who accompanied her on the trip to Italy. - Submitted photo In Florence on Oct. 1, the 74-year-old became separated from her granddaughter, Christina, and had not been seen since. But about midnight today, authorities notified her frantic family that she had been found, safe and well, in Milan. “We sure are relieved, though we’re curious of all the details,” said Peggy Gillis, Norma’s daughter-in-law, from Boise. Norma Gillis flew to Italy in late September with her 22-year-old granddaughter, Christina. Their long-anticipated visit to the country took an unhappy turn last Wednesday morning. According to Peggy Gillis, Norma and Christina had been scheduled to board a train in Florence for Rome. Christina wanted to walk to the station, and Norma wanted to take a cab. The two separated, planning to meet at the station. But when Christina arrived, she could not find her grandmother. “After she didn’t show at the train, Christina went crazy looking for her, asking the train men to look on the train for her, and then going to the police,” Peggy said. Peggy Gillis said that authorities reviewed videotapes of people entering the station Wednesday morning and reported that Norma Gillis was not among them. Christina, however, insisted on seeing the tapes herself. “Two days later she saw a tape of her going in. She spotted her right away,” Peggy said. Christina went on to Rome and checked into the hotel room she and her grandmother had reserved. From there, she prodded authorities to intensify their search. Investigators were able to determine that Gillis did not use her visa to leave the country. Back home, Peggy Gillis contacted television stations and newspapers. Last night and this morning, the story aired on Boise and Portland stations. Concern mounted, and the family began to fear the worst. But finally, the good news came. “We don’t know anything more, except that she’s all right. She and Christina are coming home tomorrow,” Peggy Gillis said. Amanda Wallace, another of Norma’s granddaughters, said today the family looks forward to Norma’s return. “Overall, we’re just happy she’s safe and going to be home,” she said. Norma Gillis was born in Pendleton but has lived in La Grande nearly all her life. She and her husband, Gene, own several local rental properties. |
