Born on May 16, 1934 in Castel di Sangro, Italy, she was a daughter to the late Edvige and Leonzio D’Alessandro.
Maria worked hard for most of her life. She was a seamstress in the Garment District in Manhattan for several years, riding both buses and trains for her daily commute. Her children were often dressed in clothing she handmade with love. Along with her husband Antonio, they migrated to the United States with next to nothing, but were able to build a legacy that their children couldn’t be more proud of.
Maria’s spitfire personality more than made up for her short stature and her disability resulting from having polio as a child. She loved time spent with her family, day trips to the beach, enjoyed thrill rides in amusement parks, and old scary movies. Her delicious cheesecake put smiles on everyone's faces and filled their bellies. Her tough and strong facade only masked the most loving, caring and giving individual. Known as Nonna to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, everything she did, she did with love for them.
Unfortunately, due to health issues, much of the last several years of Maria’s life were spent bed bound and sheltered in her room. Fortunately, she was given loving, attentive care from her grandson Christopher. They developed a special bond and enjoyed their time together. This was highlighted by singing, whimsical play and when possible walks through their garden and neighborhood.
In addition to her parents, Maria is preceded in death by her loving husband, Antonio D’Agostino; brothers Giuseppe, Antonio, Achille, Cosimo and Dino.
Maria is survived by her daughters, Luisa Benanti, Fernanda (John) Gogatz, AnnaRita Pineda, and Alessandra D'Agostino; her son, Tony (Lois) D'Agostino; grandchildren, Michael Benanti, Angelo Benanti, Maria Benanti, John Paul Benini, Bryan (Lauren) Benini, Christopher Pineda, Adriana Pineda, Joseph D'Agostino, Gabrielle (Jayce) Stephenson, Nicholas D'Agostino and Jacob Martinez; great grandchildren, Benjamin Benini, Alonzo Bruno and Emmersyn Stephenson.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Maria’s honor to https://www.dementiasociety.org/
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