Obituary of Maria Marchionni

Maria Marchionni Casagrande, a loving sister, aunt, and friend, entered into eternal life on March 28, 2021, at the age of 69. She passed away after a heroic battle against cancer. Maria is survived by her brother Philip Casagrande and her two nieces Melody Casagrande and Alyson Casagrande. Maria was preceded in death by her late husband Robert Marchionni and her beloved brother John Casagrande.

Maria was born on September 16, 1951, to proud parents Louis and Lucy Casagrande in the City of Yonkers. She attended St. Dennis Elementary School and received her high school diploma from Blessed Sacrament High School. Maria remained a long-standing member of St. Dennis parish, where she donated her spare time towards communal enrichment. Maria's devotion to prayer and her worship of God anointed her with a serenity and confidence that her life's journey would lead her towards an eternity with God.

Maria had a deep passion for helping people in need which led her to embark on a career with the Westchester County Office of the Handicapped. Her daily objective was to connect in a positive way with her husband, family, friends and neighbors. With an ardent unconditional love, Maria nurtured her family. She was an excellent cook, who took great pride in her marinara sauce. Joyfully Maria would host holiday feasts; where she would present delicious culinary gifts to her family and friends. She was an avid collector of the Precious Moment figurines. The Precious Moment statuettes embodied her everlasting love for Christ and her love for humanity. Maria also enjoyed kicking her heels to the Lindy Hop which she would perform with her father on occasions while her brothers accompanied their jubilant dance with festive music.

Maria's favorite pastime was to share moments and create memories with her family and friends. Her childhood friendships lasted decades. One of Maria's long-lasting friends, Manny Florio, was a cherished and wonderful friend. He was instrumental in supporting Maria not only in her heroic fight against cancer, but he would lend an ear to her every struggles. Maria will always be remembered and is now reunited with her loved ones in heaven, dancing to the heavenly music of the lyre (or a Lindy Hop). We, her surviving loved ones take comfort in the knowledge that God holds Maria (Re/Zizi) close.

Maria wished to be cremated. There will be a prayer gathering of the immediate family. To honor the life of Maria the family asks to please consider donating to the American Association of People with Disabilities in her name, a cause that was dear to her heart.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

"Come unto Me, and rest;

Laydown, thou weary one, lay down

Thy head upon My breast."

I came to Jesus as I was,

Weary and worn, and sad;

I found in Him a resting place,

And He has made me glad.