Maryann Letteri

Maryann Letteri, 75, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away on October 30, 2026.

Maryann was born on June 8, 1951, in New York, New York, to the late Benedetto and Norma Proce. From an early age, she demonstrated an exceptional commitment to learning, caring for others, and making a difference in the lives of those around her.

Following her graduation from Locust Valley High School in New York, Maryann pursued her passion for nursing at Caledonian Nursing School in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated with the Class of 1971, earning distinction for achieving some of the highest examination scores ever recorded. Her remarkable abilities and dedication led her to become a highly credentialed and Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN). Nursing was more than a career to Maryann; it was a calling rooted in compassion, intelligence, and an unwavering desire to help others.

Maryann's compassion extended far beyond her nursing career. She had a particularly tender place in her heart for children, whether they were related to her by blood or not. She worried about them, cared for them, protected them, and was always willing to advocate on their behalf. If a child needed someone in their corner, Maryann was there. Her nurturing spirit and instinct to protect those who needed a voice were among her most beautiful qualities.

Above all her professional accomplishments, becoming a mother was Maryann's greatest joy. Her sons, Michael and Peter, whom she raised alongside her beloved husband, Jeff, were the center of her world and her greatest source of pride. She cherished watching them grow, build their own lives, marry, and become parents themselves. Her three grandchildren, Samuel, Augden, and Liam, brought her immeasurable happiness and continued to fill her heart with pride. Family was her greatest accomplishment and the most treasured part of her life.

Maryann shared 35 loving years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey J. Letteri. Together, they built a life filled with family, memories, traditions, and love.

Maryann also believed deeply in giving back. She generously devoted her time to numerous philanthropic organizations, always seeking opportunities to serve others and contribute to her community. Her kindness, generosity, and willingness to give of herself reflected the compassion that defined both her personal and professional life. She was a woman of faith, very Catholic in her own way, and carried her beliefs as a personal and meaningful part of her life.

Beyond her devotion to family and helping others, Maryann had a special love for the water. A true water baby at heart, she loved boating, the beach, and spending time along the beautiful shoreline. Bayville Beach on Long Island's North Shore held a particularly special place in her heart, with its scenic views along the Long Island Sound and Oyster Bay Harbor. Those peaceful days by the water were among the simple pleasures she treasured.

Maryann also had a passion for gardening, especially her beloved hydrangeas. Her garden at their summer home, affectionately named "Hydrangeas Hill," was a special reflection of her love for beauty and nature. She took great pride in cultivating an impressive collection of 42 varieties of hydrangeas, with her beloved Pinky Winky among her favorites. Hydrangeas Hill was more than a garden; it was a labor of love, a place where her patience, dedication, and appreciation for beauty could flourish.

Another of Maryann's greatest talents was her cooking. She was an exceptional Italian cook who took pride in preparing delicious meals for the people she loved. Her kitchen was a place of tradition, family, and togetherness. Perhaps nothing was more memorable than her signature tomato sauce, affectionately known as her "Gravy." Made with meatballs, rabbit, sausage, and pork, it was a true labor of love and a family tradition that will be remembered and cherished for generations. Her cooking was one of the many ways she expressed her love, and those fortunate enough to gather around her table knew just how special it was.

Maryann also enjoyed the simple pleasures of home and entertainment. She loved shopping at antique shops or HomeGoods, finding special treasures for her home, and, of course, jewelry. Jewelry brought her genuine happiness, and she was never one to send a beautiful gift back! Pearls and diamonds were her favorites, reflecting her timeless appreciation for beauty and elegance.

When it came time to relax, Maryann enjoyed watching television, particularly crime and police dramas. Her favorite shows included Law & Order, CSI, NCIS,Nash Bridges and Miami Vice. She appreciated a good mystery and could happily spend time following the twists and turns of her favorite shows.

A lifelong learner, Maryann was continually seeking ways to expand her knowledge, nurture her spirit, and grow as a person. She was driven by a desire to become the best mother and wife she could possibly be, never losing her curiosity or her commitment to personal growth. She believed there was always more to learn, more to give, and more ways to love.

Maryann will be remembered for her brilliant mind, compassionate heart, fierce advocacy for children and patients, devotion to her family, and the countless lives she touched through her nursing career and generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, strength, and kindness.

She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Jeffrey J. Letteri; her sons, Michael (Jeana) and their children, Samuel and Augden; and Peter (Melissa) and their son, Liam. She is also survived by her brothers, Dominic (Michelle) and Joseph (Maryann), along with extended family and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Maryann's life was defined not simply by what she accomplished, but by how deeply she cared, how fiercely she loved, and how generously she gave of herself. Whether caring for a patient, standing up for a child, enjoying a day on the water, tending to her beloved Hydrangeas Hill, preparing her famous Sunday gravy, or finding a special treasure to bring home, Maryann embraced life in her own unique way.

She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy will live on through her family, the traditions she created, the gardens she nurtured, the meals she shared, and the many lives she touched along the way.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Maryann’s life. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 21505 Augusta Avenue, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.