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BORN
1924
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Mary Garaventa Obituary
January 15, 1924 - June 29, 2015
Our beloved Mary Candida Garaventa ("Nonni"), 91, passed away peacefully in Concord on June 29th and is now singing with the angels in God's loving presence.She was born to Andrea and Maria (Devincenzi) Moresco in Colma, California and lived in San Francisco during her elementary school years. When her father moved his family to Concord, Mary graduated from Mt. Diablo High School. Nonni and her late husband, Silvio Garaventa, Sr., were married in Concord at Queen of All Saints Church in 1948.
A woman of strong heart and courage, Nonni had an unwavering commitment to her family and her Catholic faith.
An Italian mother of five, with 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, Nonni was a role model for her family, always putting family first and teaching her children and grandchildren to stand up with courage for their values and for what is right. Making over 1,500 homemade raviolis each year with her three daughters, Cookie, Louisa and Linda, for Christmas dinner was a tradition Nonni always cherished. Nonni was the "rock," solidly supporting her family at every opportunity. When her late nephew and godson, Louie Ferrari was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease), Nonni, with the help of her family, hosted a community Ice Bucket Challenge, raising thousands of dollars for Louie and ALS research. To Nonni, family always came first - a value she instilled in her children and grandchildren.
As a devout Catholic, Nonni was committed to her faith, to God and believed strongly in the miracle of prayer. Nonni said the rosary every day was a strong believer in prayer and some people believed she had a direct line to God and the angels in heaven.
Nonni was supportive of education at elementary school, high school and college levels - including a strong commitment to helping others and giving back to the community. She supported many charities.
Always remembering her immigrant roots, Nonni was a humble person, and continued to enjoy the simple way of life - music, singing (she had an amazing voice), cooking and entertaining, and playing cards with her sisters, family and friends. Some of her fondest memories as a young girl were singing and doing dishes with her sisters Olga (Ferrando) and Anna (Ferrari) after dinners. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Nonni is preceded in death by her husband, Silvio Garaventa Sr., her parents, Andrea and Maria Moresco, and her daughter-in-law Claudia Garaventa. She is survived by her five children: Silvio Garaventa, Jr. (Patty), Cookie Garaventa Adler (Nick), Louisa Garaventa Binswanger (Walt), Joseph Garaventa, Linda Garaventa Colvis (Clark).
Viewing will take place on Thursday, July 9th at 5:00 pm at Queen of All Saints Church in Concord, with a Vigil immediately following at 7:00 pm. Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, July 10th at 10:30 am at Queen of All Saints Church with a burial following at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Garaventa's honor can be made to ALS Association Golden West Chapter, St. Agnes School of Concord, Queen of All Saints School of Concord, or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Garaventa
Sponsored by Ouimet Bros. Concord Funeral Chapel.
July 22, 2015
Cookie and the Garaventa family. I'm so sorry to hear about your dear Mom. What a remarkable lady she was. My prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Carlson - (Cookie's high school)
Phil & Sharon Cebula
July 15, 2015
Joe, you and your family have our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. She was truly a remarkable Lady. "The memories of those we've lost are beacons to guide our way out of the darkness of grief and into the light of day" Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marlene Calleja
July 11, 2015
Dear Linda and Sal. Fred Skillman and I heard of your mother's death after the funeral was over. We would both like to send you our sorry of the loss of this great woman who followed the way of Christ all her life. We have offered the soul of your mama to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus Spiritual Society where she will be remembered in their daily Mass and prayers. (Sorry, I do not know your address, but will find it to send you the card.) Fred's mama.
Dominic and Lena Duncan (Piombo)
July 11, 2015
So many wonderful memories of our parents when we were growing up! Mary always had a smile and made me feel special in her home on Walnut Ave. Many parties with good food, friends, family, music and dancing. She has now joined your dad and will visit my parents in Heaven. I just lost my Mom in February and understand what you are feeling. May God bless you with strength and loving memories.
July 10, 2015
We are sorry for your loss. Our prayers for the family.
Varner Brothers and the Panero family, Bakersfield
July 10, 2015
Praying for the Family.
Varner Brothers and the Panero Family
Heather & Todd Pastorini
July 9, 2015
A woman of remarkable faith, strength and character. It was an honor to have known her. Prayers of peace to her entire family.
Garry and MJ St Jean
July 8, 2015
Our sincerest sympathy to you all. Nonnie was an amazing woman and will be missed by us all. We are so very sorry for your loss. The St Jeans
July 8, 2015
Silvio - my condolences on the loss of your mother....may she always be your guardian angel
Diane Sanguinetti
Yolanda Machi
July 7, 2015
To all if Candy's family: We were so saddend to hear of her passing. My memories of her go back so many years. So far back were the enjoyable times spent together with our families , mine being Federico and Nice, my brother and I. Then, Candy, coming to S,F. and meeting the love of her life, Silvio. She was a lovely, caring, woman, never to be forgotten. RIP, Candy,. Our prayers and thoughts are with her and her beautiful family. Sincerely, Yolanda (Ghiglieri) and Joe Machi
July 7, 2015
Simply put a wonderful lady! A person of deep faith, graciousness, hospitality, and generosity. I shall not forget this great person.
" May the angels lead you into paradise. May the martyrs receive you and lead you to the holy city of Jerusalem. May the ranks of angels receive you,
and with Lazarus, a poor man, may you have eternal rest." (Missa Pro Defunctis)
Rev. David Tyson, C.S.C.,
July 6, 2015
So sorry to hear of Candy's passing. Many cherished childhood memories as neighbors of the Garaventa family will be in my heart forever. Love & prayers to all of the family,
Gina Ginochio
Teresa Boatwright
July 6, 2015
My condolences as you mourn the passing of your dear Mother.
July 6, 2015
Sil and Family My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loving family. Jim Burke and Family
Anne Marie Taylor
July 6, 2015
Mary had her priorities right faith and family always came first! It was always clear that her tenacity came from her own deep Catholic beliefs, and she had a servant's heart. I will remember her for her energy and youthful spirit, as well as how she was able to engage with all different people. She was always elegant.
July 6, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much love and comforting thoughts are coming your way - Trish and your CRRC Family.
July 5, 2015
May she rest in peace now after giving so much of her life to helping others. She enjoys Paradise with her loving God and with Sil and her parents and friends.
She was a blessing to all of us here at Saint Mary's College and we thank God for her in our lives.
Brother Dominic Berardelli, FSC
July 5, 2015
We were saddened to hear of Nonni's passing. She was so loved and respected by family and friends and will be deeply missed. Nonni and her beautiful family will be in our prayers, Diana and Kevin Daly
Pat Larsen
July 4, 2015
She was a grand lady whose elegance was exceeded only by her kindness and concern for others. She will be greatly missed.
July 4, 2015
my deepest condolences and promise of prayer. God bless all of you - Fr. Vince Cotter
Joe and Shelley Kehoe
July 4, 2015
Mary always put others before herself. Her love and compassion went well beyond those around her. I will miss her smiles and sweet hugs. God bless the family.
July 3, 2015
Your Eulogy of Nonni was exactly how we remember her. Her love of God and Family was unwaivering. We were privileged to have known her. Anyone that knew her came away a better person. Your family has our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fondly, Ron and Kris Klaas
Hollie Vaughn
July 3, 2015
I was very sad to hear of Mary's passing. I will always remember her as such an elegant classy lady. I will cherish the moments I did share with her.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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