Maria G Cristiano

Her parents were Michele Colonna and Teresa Cristiano. She has four brothers Antonio, Dominic, Jerry and Vito. Maria grew up during the turmoil of war time, which took its toll on the family. Maria, along with her parents and brothers, immigrated to the United States in 1955. The family settled in the Fleetwood section of Mount Vernon, New York. On February 2, 1958 Maria married Vito Cristiano at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic church in Mount Vernon, NY. The couple had three children Teresa (Terry), Phil and Michael. Her tireless devotion to her family was palpable. With great pride Maria regularly boasted that God blessed her with three beautiful children. God blessed her children, as well, with an outstanding mother.

In 2000, Maria and Vito retired to Boca Raton, Florida where they lived for the rest of their days. In 2008 her beloved husband, Vito passed away after a long illness. In 2009 an unexpected tragedy took the life of her eldest son, Phil. These events would change her life forever.

Maria was blessed with five exceptional grandchildren: Peter Joseph (spouse Kristy), Joseph Paul (spouse Stephanie), Nicholas Vito (spouse Sarah), Francesca and Gabriella. In addition, she has four highly promising great-grandchildren (Cane, Colt, Carmella (Mella) and Josephina (Joey Mae). Maria loved her family above all else.

Maria was also an incredible chef. Her handmade cavatelli pasta will be missed by all who ever had the privilege to sit at her table. She was also an avid gardener. Spending most of her days outdoors among nature was her paradise. She was highly regarded by her friends and neighbors. Maria will be remembered for her unyielding generosity, loving nature, gentle spirit, kind heart and quiet fortitude. Maria's family will always regard her with the most sincere gratitude, the deepest admiration and never ending love. ❤

P.S. Maria was given an unusual middle name: Gerarda. This name was in honor of San Gerardo di Potenza (Saint Gerard of Potenza) who died in the year 1119. San Gerardo is the patron saint of Potenza, and is best known for his miracles helping children and their mothers, especially mothers giving birth. Prior to Maria's birth, her mother lost a child in infancy in 1936. Devastated by this tragedy, her mother, a devout Roman Catholic, prayed to San Gerardo to watch over the soul of her lost child. She also vowed to name her next born after San Gerardo to honor him and to protect her next child's survival. So when Maria was born in 1937, she was given the female version of Gerardo: Gerarda. Her mother also named her next born, this time a boy, Gerardo, as divine protection over his life. The irony to this story is that not only did Maria's mother lose a child. In 2009, Maria, too, lost a child - her beloved son Phil. And sadly, in 1962, Gerardo also lost a child during his wife's pregnancy. San Gerardo has a significant place in this family's history. May San Gerardo continue to watch over, protect and bless the souls of all of us.