Mary Ann DiGrande

Mary Ann DiGrande, 76, a beloved mother, grandmother, wife and friend, passed away on September 15, 2025. Born in the Bronx, New York, Mary Ann was the cherished only child of Pasquale and Antoinette (Ricci) Flamia. She grew up surrounded by family, especially treasuring the bonds with her cousins—whom she considered siblings—and the loving presence of her grandmother who lived with her during her youth.

Mary Ann was a proud graduate of St. Barnabas Catholic High School and often fondly recalled her Bronx roots, especially the vibrant Italian markets on Arthur Avenue that shaped her early years. Following high school, Mary Ann completed the secretarial program at Taylor Business Institute in Manhattan.

In 1967, she met her first love, Carmine DiGrande at the 42 Club, and in 1970, they married and welcomed three daughters.

With an outgoing and vivacious personality, Mary Ann excelled in sales and embraced change with grace. As an IBM wife, her family moved frequently across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, and even Rome, Italy. Her career journey was marked by versatility, thriving in real estate, airline sales, and eventually as Regional Director for Jenny Craig—a role that brought her to South Florida to be closer to her mother.

In her 50s, Mary Ann found love again with Tommy Salese, marrying him in a joyful Las Vegas ceremony. Together, they shared a passion for travel, cruises, gambling, and savored the delights of Italian cooking. In recent years, Mary Ann devoted herself to caring for Tommy, even through her own health struggles.

Mary Ann faced life's challenges with tremendous strength and faith. She courageously overcame a cancer diagnosis in 2021 and was rebuilding her life when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) in January 2025. Throughout, her love for her family remained her guiding light.

Mary Ann is survived by her three daughters: Laura DiGrande (John Sabatini) of Cary, NC; Donna DiGrande (Jason Bailey) of Savannah, GA; and Barbara DiGrande Kreitzer (Peter Kreitzer) of Apex, NC. MaryAnn was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Nathaniel Kappes, Andrew Kappes, Carina Sabatini, Matteo Sabatini, and Mason Kreitzer, who were her greatest joy. Additionally, Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 21 years, Tommy Salese, and her ex-husband of 25 years, Carmine DiGrande.

A memorial mass will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, North Carolina.

In honor of Mary Ann's generous spirit, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—reflecting her monthly tradition of giving in thanks for the health and happiness of her grandchildren—or to the Hospice House in Cary, NC.

“We will miss you dearly; your love and kindness will remain in our hearts forever.”

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the DiGrande family.