MARIA ANNA ROMANINI

September 22, 1926 - December 3, 2023

Maria Anna Romanini was born to Ambrose and Ida Pasquini in Capannori, Lucca, Italy on Sept 22, 1926. Anna grew up in Tassingiano, Lucca, Italy with her family. When she was 12 years old, Anna migrated to America on a ship called the Rex, with her father and brother. Her mother and sister made the voyage before them and welcomed them to their new home in Bakersfield. The Rex departed from Genoa, Italy, and arrived in New York, New York on Dec 11, 1938. Anna told the story of when she arrived in America, she saw the most beautiful lady from a window on the ship, the Statue of Liberty, her first memory of America. Anna graduated from East High School where she developed her amazing shorthand skills that got her a job as a legal secretary for Kendall and Howell, Attorneys at Law, in Bakersfield. Anna told the story of the hardest test she ever took, her citizenship exam. She was so proud when she became an American citizen of the United States. Anna met Gino, in 1947 and they were married on October 10, 1948, sharing 57 years of a beautiful marriage together in Buttonwillow. The wife of a farmer, Anna was a homemaker. Everything she did was out of love and devotion to her family. Her deep Catholic faith was very strong and carried her throughout her life. Anna is survived by her two beloved children Gina Atkins and Thomas Romanini, her son-in-law Mark Atkins, and her grandchildren, whom she so loved, Joshua Atkins, Steven Romanini (Vida), Meagan Coles (Kyle), and Adam Atkins. Anna is also survived by the little joys of her life, her great-grandchildren, Mila Romanini, Owen Coles, Keagan Coles, Waylon Coles, Autumn Atkins, Aker Atkins, Alexandria, and Alyssa Smith. Anna is also survived by her sister Carla Cauzza and many nieces and nephews. Anna was preceded in death by her husband Gino, her mother Ida, her father Ambrose, and her brother Adrian. On December 3, 2023, shortly before she passed, Anna took a deep breath, and then a radiant smile came across her face as if she saw something that made her very happy. With this, we know she is in Heaven, and with broken hearts, we will miss her and love her forever. Services will be held on December 19, 2023, at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, Rosary at 9:30 am, Mass at 10 am. Burial following at Historic Union Cemetery. Luncheon at Woolgrowers.