Maria Gina Hespen

February 2nd, 1930- July 21st, 2025

Maria passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family and guided by angels who welcomed her into Heaven. She was 95 years old. She was born in Trieste, Italy and witnessed World War II at 12 years old. In 1948, she met her husband, Robert A. Hespen, an American soldier in the U.S. Army serving in Trieste. They married March 6, 1949, and had their first daughter, Carmen, in Italy. She immigrated to America on Sept. 2, 1950 (75 years ago), and was a resident of Monterey County for 76 years. As a WWII bride and wife to a military soldier, she moved to many bases in those 22 years. She learned English and became an American citizen. In 1952, she had twin girls, Lilly and Dori, at Ft. Ord Hospital. They lived in Oak Grove and she worked at the canneries and the Naval Postgraduate School. A few years later, Robert and the family were transferred to Munich, Germany, and they visited Mom’s family in Italy as much as possible.

She was a seasoned saint, prayer warrior, and loved Jesus with all her heart. Her faith and life reflected the love of Jesus and forgiveness. She was a giver and taught us to give to others — to be a servant for Jesus. She always saw the love of Christ in others, and was ready to give hugs and pray with you. She attended Seaside Assembly of God with Pastor Lee Mildon for many years. She loved “Woman’s Aglow,” her ladies’ Bible study, and visiting nursing homes.

She called her family in Italy every day. Her passion was her garden and her flowers. She loved to cook, bake, sew and in her later years she would be found sitting in her special chair, knitting a scarf for whomever wanted or needed one. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and “Bisnonna” … her family meant the world to her. She is survived by her twin daughters, Lilly Menezes (Fred) and Dori Canepa (Dave); 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by family from Trieste, brother-in-law, Livio Lacosegliaz; nephew, Giorgio; and niece, Graziella; Anna and Max Lorant, Luciana Sossi and many nieces and cousins. Her daughter, Carmen, preceded her in death in 1989 and her husband, Robert, in 1993. They were married for 44 years. Anita, her sister, preceded her in death in 2017.

“My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’” — Psalm 27:8

We love you, Mom — Baci di farfalla — Butterfly Kisses X X X X X X X

Donations may be sent to:

• Monterey Bay Christian Center (school)

1184 Hilby Ave., Seaside, CA 93955

• The Fellowship, P.O. Box 97339,

Washington, D.C. 20077-7472

• SPCA of Monterey County