MARASCA , Andrea Diana

November 10, 1941 - May 11, 2021

Andrea “Mimi” Marasca, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 after a two-month battle with lymphoma. She was 79 years old.

Andrea Diana Navin was born November 10th, 1941 in Los Angeles to parents Alfred and Leta Navin. She spoke very fondly of her childhood and was beloved by her parents and her older sister, Pat. She attended Hamilton High School and continued her education at the University of Southern California, graduating in 1963. There, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and majored in Education with the hopes of becoming a teacher. During her college years, she met the love of her life, Al Marasca. She always said she was drawn to his dedicated work ethic and saw the potential in him to accomplish great things. They were married on June 20th, 1964 in Los Angeles and moved to Northridge to begin their lives together. Andrea was a natural with children and worked as a third-grade teacher before having three daughters of her own. Even amidst the busyness of raising three children, Andrea volunteered at the library and taught adults to read.

Andrea’s early intuition about Al was correct, and he went on to become the President and COO of Ralph’s grocery store chain. She and Al lived a very blessed life together. They traveled the world, spoke at many conferences and were revered by many. Andrea did not like the spotlight and never took credit for any of their accomplishments, but Al says that she was absolutely “the wind beneath his wings”. In her later years, they relocated to beautiful Newport Beach, CA and became active members of Big Canyon Country Club. They were surrounded by great friends and two constant companions – their dogs Mac and Miley. Her greatest joy in life was being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren will remember her as the person who taught them how to read, made them beautiful scrapbooks, needlepointed handmade stockings for Christmas and showered them in love. Andrea lived a life in constant service to others, but never expected anything in return. She was gentle and kind-hearted and taught those around her the virtue of contentment and being thankful for all your blessings.

Andrea is survived by Al, her husband of nearly 57 years, her three beautiful daughters, Michele, Erin and Dana and her eight grandchildren.