Marie Blanche Stagnaro Carniglia

To Marie Carniglia, life was all about family, always putting others before herself, and being a motherly figure to everyone. An expressive, supportive, and loving individual, she was the center of the family. Even Tom often referred to her as "The Boss," and even though we all recognized he sat at the head of the table and may have laid the laws of our large Italian family, she delegated and enforced them with her loving, yet stern, ways. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Marie, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Marie really mastered the art of living, unconditional love, and had great fun in doing so.

Marie was born on September 20, 1918 at Balboa Hospital in San Diego, California. Her parents were Filippo and Mary Stagnaro. Marie was raised in San Diego, California. Even as a child, Marie had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. Sadly enough two of her younger siblings, Michael and Victoria, died at birth, Marie built a strong, endearing bond with her two sisters, Betty and Katherine. Being the oldest of her siblings, she was naturally nurturing, caring, and an overseer of her two younger sisters. She was a role model then just as she became for her children and grandchildren.

All of Marie's playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with a friendly personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, Marie experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. Marie graduated from San Diego High in 1935.

Marie never actually encountered a stranger in her dealings with people. She was drawn to individuals and crowds, using her gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate those around her. This quality allowed Marie to continually develop new relationships, ever widening her circle of friends. Marie delighted in her role among all her acquaintances, because she viewed them as life-long friends and treated them just as if they were family. Whether it was telling an old story of family and friends, singing an Italian lullaby to a child, or serving up a heaping plate of her infamous homemade cooking, Marie could always make you feel welcome. Marie utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. Later in life, she became friends with Jenny Santos, Esther Navarra, Frances Iraci and Kathleen Navarra. Marie loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Marie very easy to approach. She tried hard not to impose on her spouse. She was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage. Tom and Marie were blessed with four children, two sons, August and Phillip, and two daughters, Amelia and Mary Ann.Tom was a commercial fisherman and was often out on the boat for long periods of time, leaving Marie as the sole decision maker, disciplinarian, and overseer of the household. "Just wait til your father gets home," were words often heard throughout their childhood, even though her forgiving, loving nature allowed her to "forget" by the time he returned.

They were also blessed with nine grandchildren, Tanja, Thomas, Todd, Jay, Paula, Troy, Shawn, Scott and Ann Marie. Marie had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the family, that’s where all of her attention was directed. She was always focused on creating special memories and upholding family traditions.

Marie enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Marie liked creating and making things. Her favorite pursuits were reading, crocheting, playing cards and slot machines. Marie was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. Marie was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were football and baseball, she was a season ticket holder for the San Diego Chargers. Marie's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which she belonged. Throughout her later years, Marie was an active member of the Mercy Hospital Pink Ladies, Our Lady of the Rosary Guild and Italian Catholic Daughters. Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Marie recognized that her faith was important to her and her family throughout her life. She was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church for 91 years.

Living life in the fast lane suited Marie just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. Favorite vacations included cruise ships going just about anywhere and trips to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Marie quietly passed away with all of her family at her bedside on April 18, 2010 in San Diego, California of Alzheimers. She is survived by her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Services were held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church April 23, 2010. Marie was laid to rest next to her beloved husband and best friend at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, San Diego, California.

Marie brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Marie Carniglia lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.

Remembering Our Mom

Her Laugh, Her smile

Her voice, Her style

Her strength, Her poise

Her gifts, Her joys

Her words, Her Grace

Her eyes, Her face

Her love, Her life

and everything that made

our Mom so special to us

will live through our memories

Arrangements under the direction of Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary, San Diego, CA.