Annamarie F. Della Sala Stanton

AnnaMarie Della Sala-Stanton was born on Aug. 22, 1950, at Carmel Hospital and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. She passed away at home on February 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, friends, cousins and neighbors.

She was the first-born, cherished daughter of Rosie (Bruno) Della Sala and father, Charles Della Sala. She grew up alongside her two brothers, Anthony and Chuck, and her sisters, Kathy and Maryann.

AnnaMarie attended Monterey Unified School District, including San Carlos Parochial School, Walter Colton Junior High and graduated from Monterey High School in 1968. She continued her education at UCSD, nurturing a lifelong love of learning that would define much of her life.

AnnaMarie met the love her life, Robert Stanton, a great musician himself, and in 1979 they were married and their partnership spanned more than 46 devoted years.

AnnaMarie devoted 32 years to education as an elementary school teacher in Monterey and Sherman Oaks. She was passionately dedicated and so happy to teach young minds while sharing her love of composing music and playing the guitar.

As a young child, AnnaMarie would set up a chalkboard in the garage and invite all of the neighborhood kids over, so she could play teacher.

Music was one of her greatest passions. She was a self-taught amazing seamstress. She enjoyed gardening and loved sunflowers. She had a knack for designing and remodeling spaces, both inside and out. She was the organizer, the planner, the one with the calendar and the color-coded lists. She gave 100 percent to everything she did.

AnnaMarie had a special place in her heart for furry friends, especially Mozart and Chewy, treating each beloved pet as a treasured member of the family.

Upon returning home to Monterey from Santa Monica, she lovingly dedicated much of her time and energy to her heritage and Monterey’s La Merienda and was recognized for her leadership and service with the Laura Bride Powers award. She spent many hours compiling three books, one which was titled Italian Americans — We Don’t Just Fish.

AnnaMarie was preceded in death by her father, Charles Della Sala, Sr. Sadly, she leaves behind her beloved husband, Robert; her mother, Rosie (Bruno) Della Sala; her brothers, Anthony Della Sala and Charles Della Sala, Jr. (Sandy); sisters, Kathy Della Sala-Shepherd (Tony) and MaryAnn Randolph, and many extended family members and friends who cherished her warmth, creativity and strength.

Our sincere thanks to our wonderful priest and staff at San Carlos Cathedral, our helpful loving cousins, friends and great neighbors of AnnaMarie & Robert.

A service to celebrate AnnaMarie’s life will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey.

In lieu of flowers, please give to cancer research or your favorite charity"