Maria Anna Marchese

Maria (Annetta)Marchese, 95, wife of the late Giovanni Marchese, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 4, 2026. She was born on June 8, 1931, in Melilli, Sicily, daughter of the late Salvatore and Giovanna (Fazzino) DiMauro. Not speaking any English, she came to America with nothing and built a life through determination, hard work , faith in herself and an unwavering devotion to her family. She worked as a seamstress at American Bazaar in New Britain for many years. She endured injury in World War II, loss and many hardships, yet continued forward with strength and dignity. Her life is a testimony to the courage of a generation that sacrificed so much so that the generations who followed could have more.

She was well known for her strong will and her fiercely independent spirit. She never hesitated to share her thoughts and opinions, making every conversation an experience. Those who knew her will remember her for her distinctive voice and contagious laughter. Her door was always open, you never needed to knock. Her home was always immaculate, a reflection of her meticulous nature and her belief that a clean home is a happy place. You never left hungry from her home. Whether it was something cooking on the stove or espresso and cookies, she made you sit down and eat.

Though we will miss her dearly, we are grateful for the life she gave us and the love she shared. She will always be with us, every time we gather around the table, prepare one of her recipes, tend a garden, hear a story about Melilli, or give our children and grandchildren the same advice she gave us. “Go to work, keep a clean house, make your bed and love each other. Stay united.”

May her legacy live on.

She is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Rosetta(Salvatore) Fiducia of New Britain and Joanne (Sebastian) Saraceno of Plainville, a son and his wife Natale (Vincenza) Marchese of New Britain, 9 grandchildren: Nic and Jon Saraceno, Tiana (Santo) Alderuccio, Loriann, Jennifer and Andrea Marchese, Melissa Flynn, Seby and Alysia Fiducia, three great grandchildren: Salvatore, Ariana and Jessica as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers; Nicola, Giusepe, Rosario, Sebastiano DiMauro.

Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, September 9 from 9-10 am at New Britain Memorial-Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Ave., New Britain,CT. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30am at St. Ann Church, 47 Clark St. New Britain with entombment at St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain.

The family wishes to thank Dr.Holmes, the Franciscan Hospice nurse Donaley and Sister Catherine and all the Angel Touch care aides and Sandi for the compassionate care they gave Maria.