Stella N. Cosenza

November 12, 2023

We mourn the passing of Stella Natalina Piazza Cosenza, our loving Mother, Nana and Auntie, who passed away peacefully at home on November 12th at the age of 93. Born in San Francisco to Sicilian immigrant parents, she was the sixth of eight children born to Luisa and Salvatore Piazza. Four of the children were born in Augusta, Sicily and four, including Stella, were born in San Francisco.

Stella was born and raised in North Beach and graduated from Presentation High School, where she formed friendships that would last her a lifetime. She met the love of her life, Dave, at the age of 20 and they were married for 68 years, before Dave passed away in 2021. Stella and Dave had six children which they raised in Saint Gabriel’s parish in San Francisco. They participated in all of the school festivals and variety shows and made many friends during the 42 years they lived there.

In 1997, Stella and Dave moved to Fairfax, California and continued to host many barbeques, Easter egg hunts, birthday and holiday celebrations. Stella loved her garden, cooking (and passing down recipes), dancing, singing and her sparkling stove! She was a lively, energetic woman who never lost her zest for life and really thrived being a wife, mother, Nana and friend.

Stella is survived by children Marylouise (Robert), Davina, Mark (Katina), Matthew (Anne) and John (Regina) and grandchildren, Nicholas, Jacob (Andrew), Natalina, Steven, Vincent, Brennan and Sofia. Her son David, passed away suddenly in November 2020, which broke her heart. The family would like to thank Evelin for her constant care and loving touch. Stella was loved by all and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sterne School (San Francisco) or feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice on behalf of Stella.