Maria Colacci

Colacci, Maria (Tina) Age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Tuesday evening, Feb 14. Born Maria Concettina Natalina Pizzuto in Monacilioni, Italy, in 1920, Tina, as she was known to family and friends, lived her dream of coming to America in 1950 to marry her true love Mario Colacci, who had immigrated in 1949. After living in New York, St. Paul, and Washington, DC, they settled in Minneapolis, where her husband taught at Augsburg College and Luther Seminary until his death in 1968. A generous woman of passionate intensity, Tina worked as a ladies' tailor for a number of years before studying to be a medical lab technician, working for many years at Mt. Sinai hospital. After retiring well into her seventies, she continued her passion for politics, gardening (a true green thumb), and heavy duty home improvement, all done by her own hand. She was a mighty mite of a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and always the center of the growing Colacci family. Preceded in death by husband Mario, brothers Francesco, Giuseppe, Pasquale, and Antonio; great-grandson Navarro. Survived by Sister Evangelina, children David, Irving and Miriam, grandchildren April, Nicholas, Tiah, Jared, Mario and Elena, and great grandchildren Lillina and Lola. In accordance with her wishes, her life will be celebrated with an open house from 2-6 pm Sunday, Feb 19 at the home of Irving and Beth Colacci, the last home she shared with Mario. Friends may call 612-922-1462.