Maria Tordonato

Maria (Amenta) Tordonato, 82, of Hartford, was called home into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 24, 2022. Born in Cannicattini Bagni, Province of Siracusa, Sicily, on December 21, 1939, Maria was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Serafina (Cassarino) Amenta.

Maria will always be remembered for being a beautiful, kind, and selfless person. A mom who worked hard and always put her family first. The center of her life were her three loving children and her cherished granddaughter, for whom she was immensely proud to have helped to raise. The Focal point of her life was when she was in the presence of her family, especially with her granddaughter, who was a bright light in her life. Maria came to the USA in 1967 and later took a job at Colt’s Manufacturing to support her family. She was determined to learn to read and write in English in order to excel in becoming one of the top subject matter experts in her profession. At Colt’s for 31 years, Maria was proud to have earned a Certificate of Excellence in the Inspection of Quality Control, as a highly skilled inspector of small gun parts. Maria was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of Saint Augustine Church. She instilled in her family the importance of faith and regularly supported various Catholic and other charities in need. She was especially proud of her rich family traditions and cooking vast amazing meals for Sunday dinners. Uniting the family for holidays and involving them in her annual canning of tomato sauce was her way of carrying traditions forward. A loyal and dependable mother, always ready and willing to support her family at a moment’s notice. Maria also believed that all things are possible when we persevere.

She enjoyed completing projects to beautify her home and looked forward to summer activities for cultivating her vegetable and rose gardens. Despite Maria’s English as a second language, she knew how to get things done and had contacts for whatever was required.

Maria is survived by her three loving children, Silvana Flattery and partner George Chamberlin; Lori Markowski and husband Stephen; and her adoring son, Salvatore Tordonato. Maria also leaves her cherished granddaughter, Jessica Markowski. Maria is survived by two brothers, Giuseppe Amenta and wife Paola; Pasquale Amenta and wife Mirella, and sister-in-law Carmela Tordonato, as well as many dear nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Maria was predeceased by her beloved father and mother, Giuseppe Amenta and Serafina (Cassarino) Amenta.

There are no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to join a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27th in Saint Augustine Church, 10 Campfield Avenue, Hartford. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT For online expressions of sympathy, please visit desopofunneralchapel.com.