Marianna Diganci

Marianna was born on July 26, 1949, in the town of Borgetto, in the province of Palermo, Sicily, to Benedetta Prainito and Salvatore Pecoraro. She was the youngest of five siblings: Nino, Pino, Nicola, and Lina.

In the 1970s, Marianna visited the United States and stayed with her sister Lina and her family, who were already living in New York. Shortly after returning to Sicily, she married Benedetto DiGanci, a love that began through only a few photographs and heartfelt letters. They were married on June 25, 1973, and soon after made the decision to move to the United States, beginning their new life together in New York. Together, Marianna and Benedetto were blessed with three children: Josephine, Carlo, and Salvatore.

Marianna’s greatest passion was her family. Everything she did was for them. She worked for many years as a baker in various stores and bakeries, where she was especially known for her bread. She loved cooking and baking for family and friends, but her greatest accomplishment was the legacy of love she left behind. She proudly passed down Sicilian traditions and values, always knowing who she was and never straying from them.

She was immensely proud of her family, especially her grandchildren—Colin, Maxx, Carson, Abigail, and Luci. Anyone who met Marianna quickly learned how deeply she adored her grandchildren. She was strong, tenacious, and determined, never giving up until she found a way to better her family’s life. If you knew her, you knew she would immediately offer to make you a plate of pasta—she showed her love by feeding and caring for others.

Marianna was full of life and laughter. She loved God and looked forward to the day she would be reunited with Him, her beloved husband, and all those she loved in heaven.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a light in the lives of all who knew her. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who loved her and was part of her life. Marianna can now rest peacefully in the arms of her Savior.

Psalm 27:1 KJV

1{A Psalm of David.} The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

A prayer service will be held on January 9, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm at Fairhaven Memorial Services, located at 27856 Center Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92692.

The funeral service is scheduled for January 9, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Saint Kilian Church, 26872 Estanciero Dr, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

A graveside service will take place on January 9, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630.