Obituary of Maria Meschino

Maria Meschino; devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, aunt and loyal friend; quietly passed away on July 9th 2019 after a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer. She was born and raised in the shadow of a picturesque medieval castle in the little village of Itri, Italy. She was the eldest daughter of Costanzo and Concetta Ruggieri. She had two brothers, Orlando and Antonio, and two sisters, Lelia and Isa. It was there that her life-long caring for her family began, as she helped care for her siblings in war-torn times. It is in Itri that she met, fell in love with, and married the one and only love of her life, her husband Gino. Post-war poverty and a search for a better life brought them to France, where their children Nadia and Jean Claude were born and raised. A family trip to the United States of America in 1970 brought about the next chapter of Maria's life. As the American dream beckoned, Maria and her family moved to the U.S.A. America would be Maria's home for the remainder of the wonderful life she and her husband built, working tirelessly to give their beloved children a marvelous childhood and amazing life. She loved her garden, her sewing and knitting, but it was through her love of cooking that she showed the people she cared about how truly special they were to her. If you were ever lucky enough to have tasted her famous pizza or homemade pasta, then you knew you were loved! She had 35 wonderful years of marriage, but became a widow much too soon when her husband passed away at the age of 57. It was the birth of her grandson Gino and granddaughter Alexandra who brought joy back into her life. Two grandchildren were never more loved. They were her pride and joy. She is survived by her beloved children Nadia and son-in-law Ernesto, Jean Claude and daughter-in-law Grace. Her loving grandchildren Gino and wife Melissa, Alexandra and boyfriend Tyler, her step grandchildren Joey and Erica, and her extended family and friends. All are heartbroken at the passing of such a strong, loving, compassionate, and warmhearted person, but know she is smiling down from Heaven. Rest in Peace, dearest Maria.