Mary Katherine (Di Bona) Fontana, age 91, passed away on February 16, 2020 peacefully at her home in Hughson, CA with her family by her side. Mary was born in Albany, New York on August 8, 1928 to Salvatore and Carmilla (Paigo) Di Bona. As an infant, her family moved to California. Mary graduated from Oakdale High School in 1946. She married Anthony (Tony) Fontana in 1948. They settled on a small farm in Hughson where she resided for 72 years, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Mary will be remembered for her excellent Italian cooking, loving hospitality, and great conversation at her table. She enjoyed crocheting blankets, especially for newborns. Everyone loved hearing “Nonna’s” story telling.
Tony and Mary have four children. Frank Fontana (Beverly), Margaret Warner, Larry Fontana (Debra), and Anthony Fontana (Vicki). Seven grandchildren; Eric Warner (Laurie), Joseph, Elizabeth, Domenic (Courtney), Matthew, Nathaniel, Rachel and eight great-grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 60 years, Tony, and her brother Leo Di Bona. She is survived by all her children, grandchildren, sisters Theresa DeFonce and Suzanne Di Bona, and her brother Anthony Di Bona and his wife Kathy.
A viewing will be held on Friday, February 28th, 4 - 8 p.m. and a funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, February 29th at 11 a.m., both at the Lakewood Funeral Home Heritage Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, CA. A graveside committal service will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park Peacevale Garden. Reception will be held at the Lakewood Riverside Reception Room. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Community Hospice.
