Mary Di Sera

Saturday, Jun. 10, 2017

Mary Di Sera

April 11, 1932 – June 1, 2017

On June 1, 2017, an angel named Mariuccia “Mary” Di Sera decided it was time to move on to heaven. She passed peacefully in Salt Lake City.

Mary was born on April 11, 1932 in Caramanico, Italy to Fiore De Angelis and Lucia Di Monte. In 1949, she met a handsome Italian named Leonardo “Leonard” Di Sera. He swept her off her feet! Three months later, on Oct. 20, 1949, they were married in her home town. With great bravery, Mary left her country, her family and her language to immigrate to the United States with her Leonard. They remained inseparable for 66 years.

Mary came into this world to make it a better place. Her natural love, light and selflessness were a beacon for all who knew her. She truly lived to make life better for everyone she touched. As a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend she positively affected everyone around her in a special way. She had a natural calling to reach out and help others. She regularly visited and administered Holy Communion to the sick and ailing. She set aside time each day to pray for the needs of others. Knowing Mary’s strong dedication to prayer, acquaintances would regularly ask that she include them in her prayers. Mary put her family, friends and faith above all else. She exemplified the meaning of a selfless person.   

Mary had a purity of heart and mind that allowed her to see people in an unfiltered way. She would unblinkingly look into your eyes and have a deeper understanding of how you were feeling. Mary’s combination of honesty, caring and intuition helped her understand far beyond her formal education. Family and friends sought out her quiet wisdom and insight.

Mary took the news of her Alzheimer’s disease with grace and determination. The last six years were not easy for Mary, but she maintained her sparkling smile and joyful demeanor. She gracefully adjusted to her new world, never angry at her circumstances. Mary continued, one foot in front of the other, accepting each setback as it arrived. She lived her life with the highest integrity. She navigated her long wonderful life with joy, courage and grace.

Mary is survived by her children: Flamminio (Peggy) Di Sera, Gina Di Sera (Casey Jackson), Lenny (Tonya) Di Sera; four grandchildren Billy, Angela, Siena and Sante; and three great-grandchildren McKenzie, Xander, and Devon.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on June 10 at St. Vincent Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Neighborhood House. 

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com.