Maria Della Santina

The Della Santina family mourns the loss of our cherished mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Maria. After a courageous battle with cancer, she succumbed to the disease on May 3rd. She is now reunited with the love of her life, Romano. Born the youngest of three in Santa Margherita, Lucca, Italy in 1930, she immigrated to America at the age of 18. She married Romano at age 19 and they were blessed with four children: Paul, Joanne, Tina and Ralph. Maria is survived by her children, their spouses, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one on the way.

Our mother was an amazing role model and a true matriarch of a loving Italian family. A deeply devout Catholic, she instilled in us the values integral to our faith. Family was the most important part of her life and she taught us to love, respect and to always support one another. She was happiest with her family and was proud of all of us.

She was a member of many Italian and social organizations that were very dear to her heart.

We would like to thank the many people who prayed for Maria during her illness. This support gave her comfort during this difficult time. A special thanks to Hospice by the Bay, her caregivers, and especially her dear friend Giorgia who came from Italy to support her in her final months. We were blessed with amazing parents who provided us with love, guidance and values to live in a generous and selfless way. Maria will be missed and remembered by all the hearts she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Hospice by the Bay or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Rosary will be held at 7PM on Thursday, May 11th, 2017 at Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church 1104 5th Avenue in San Rafael. Funeral Mass will be at 11AM Friday May 12th, 2017 also at Saint Raphael’s Church. Monte’s Chapel Of The Hills San Anselmo (415)453-8440