Mary, a longtime resident of Little Italy passed away peacefully at the age of 91 of natural causes. Mary, the oldest of four children, was born on July 2, 1919 in Racine, WI to Italian immigrants Enrico and Raffaela Contasti. After her father's death in 1936, Mary moved to San Diego with her cousins Frank and Ida Gibaldi, and in 1940 her mother and brother Sam joined her while her two older brothers Joseph and John served in the Army.
Mary was employed for many years at John Hogan Clothier downtown and in later years for Anthony's Fish Grotto until her retirement.
Mary was devoted to her brothers and "Auntie Mar" held a special affection for her many nieces and nephews. She will forever missed by her family and many friends who will always cherish those many memories.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Sam DeMaria, brother John Contasti and Sister in Law Marie Tarantino-Contasti. She is survived by her brothers, Joseph Contasti (Austra) and Sam Contasti, Sister in Law Jennie Contasti, nieces and nephews, Tom Contasti (Tamara), Diane O'Kelly (Brian), John Contasti, Anthony Contasti, Joann Tarantino (Tom), Mary Ann Tarantino (Joseph) and Andrew Contasti (Annette), many great and great-great nieces and nephews and her cousins.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 13th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary in Hillcrest. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 14th at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Little Italy.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Our Lady of the Rosary or your favorite charity.
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