Maria Guercio Oliveri, age 96, was born in Carini, province of Palermo, Italy on July 25, 1925 to her parents Domenica and Vincenzo Guercio. She survived World War II and would often tell stories about her life during that time in her beloved town. Maria loved poetry and history, often reciting from memory the lessons she learned in school. The story of Christopher Columbus’ voyage to America and the story of why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving were her favorites. Maria also enjoyed singing Italian songs and telling funny Sicilian folktales. In 1949 she set sail for America with her 3 and a half year old son Marcantonio, spending 13 days seasick in her cabin. Here, she joined her husband and they began their new life in Brooklyn, NY. Maria worked as a homemaker and then became an excellent seamstress in the garment district in Manhattan. Her favorite delight was shopping everyday during her lunch break at Macy’s Department Store on 34th Street, Herald Square. At night, after dinner, her favorite pastime was making clothes for herself, her children and family members. Like many Italian women, Maria’s cooking skills were pure perfection. Sunday and holiday dinners were always special in her home, spending hours in the kitchen, preparing a seven course feast, surrounded around the table by her children and grandchildren and enjoying their company. Just watching their smiles and laughter while consuming her food filled her with joy. She left us many recipes which her family will always treasure. Another thing about Maria: she has an incredible sweet tooth. Pastries, cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream and especially tiramisu were some of the desserts she could never refuse. Religion was most important to Maria making it a point to go to Mass every Sunday and also sending her children to Catholic school for their education. She was a long time member of Our Lady of Grace Church in Brooklyn before moving and joining St. Ann’s Parish in Marietta, Georgia where she came to live in 2009. Maria became a proud American Naturalized Citizen in 1954, a day she would always remember. While living in Georgia she joined La Società’ Italiana where she made new friends, sharing their mutual Italian heritage. One more thing about Maria, she always dressed elegantly. Whether going shopping at the local store or visiting a nearby neighbor or just spending the day at home, she always looked her best and took pride in her appearance. Maria is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Francesco Oliveri, and sister Ninfa Guercio Pecoraro. She is survived by her son Lt. Colonel Marcantonio Oliveri and his wife Jenine, daughter Rosaria Guida and her husband Thomas Anthony, her loving grandchildren, Frank, Vanessa, Giancarlo, Joseph, Gabrielle and their spouses, along with many great grandchildren, her brother and wife, Stefano and Carmela Guercio, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Maria passed away peacefully on July 12, 2022. Viewing is on Friday, July 22nd at Cusimano and Russo, 2005 West 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY. Mass of Christian Burial is at 9:45 A.M. on Saturday, July 23rd at Our Lady of Grace RC Church, 430 Avenue W followed with internment at The Green-Wood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory may be made to The Padre Pio Foundation of America at https://padrepio.com/giving/donations/
A visitation for Maria will be held Friday, July 22, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Cusimano & Russo Funeral Home, 2005 West 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 9:45 AM to 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Grace, 430 Ave W, Brooklyn, New York 11223. Entombment to follow in Greenwood Cemetery, 500 25th St, Brooklyn, New York 11232.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cusimanoandrussofuneralhome.com for the Oliveri family.
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