Maria Di Lorenzo

Maria was born in Italy on October 8, 1922 to Antonio and Caterina (Brancaleone) Parisi. She was raised on a large farm and had several siblings. Before moving to Massachusetts Maria had four boys. After relocating to the United States, Maria worked for Gorton’s Seafood (the Gorton’s Fisherman Company) for over twenty years as the manager of a fish processing plant.

Eventually her sons went into business together as plumbing contractors and the family moved again to San Pedro, California, eventually settling in Banning, California. Maria enjoyed living with her son Joseph and his wife and two daughters. Maria was a doting grandma who was very protective of her grandchildren (and even more so her great-grandchildren).

Maria’s family cherished her classic Italian cooking. Among the many wonderful things she created in her kitchen were breads, sauces, and cookies. Maria was also an avid seamstress and knitter; she always kept herself busy whether with cooking or cleaning or sewing (sometimes wondering why everyone else wasn’t busy, too!). Maria was a very direct, strong willed and opinionated woman, but with the largest of hearts. She will be dearly missed by all.

Mrs. Di Lorenzon was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband Carlo, and by a son, Anthony Di Lorenzo.

She is survived by her sons, Joseph Di Lorenzo, Guy Di Lorenzo, and Carmen Di Lorenzo of California, and by nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.