MAFALDA ACCOMAZZO

ACCOMAZZO died on Nov. 10, 2010, surrounded by family in San Clemente, Calif. She was 88. Born in Brooklyn in 1922, Mafalda came from a musical family. Her father immigrated to New York at the turn of the century from Vigianno, Italy, and became the premier flautist in the New York Symphony Orchestra. Her mother, Anna Maria, also came from the small town of Viggiano, near Naples. The family moved to Los Angeles when Mafalda was young. After graduation from Belmont High School, Mafalda took night classes, where she developed impressive typing and shorthand skills. In the days before word processing, these skills made her an asset to her employers (and later to her grandchildren when they applied to college). In 1942, she landed a job in Hollywood and spent the next eight years as a secretary, personal assistant and -1/2script girl-5/8 working for Monogram Pictures. The studio produced numerous feature films, including the Charlie Chan and Bowery Boys series. In addition to coordinating the studio charity work and Christmas festivities, Mafalda played the piano at studio parties and spurned the advances of many would-be suitors. In 1946, her mother convinced Mafalda to attend a Masquerade Ball, put on by the Garabaldina Society, an Italian club. The studio loaned her a beautiful dress, and she won first place in the costume contest. Later, a handsome young man in his Army uniform asked her to dance, and they danced together the rest of the night. At the end of the evening, the young man asked for her phone number, but she didn't dare write it down in full view of the Italian grandmothers and chaperones. Luckily, the young man was an accountant with a knack for numbers and Edmund and Mafalda married in 1950. The marriage would last for 55 years until Ed passed away. Mafalda and Ed were the model of what a marriage is supposed to be. Their marriage was an inspiration to many, from close family members to mere acquaintances. Even casual observers could not help but notice their devotion to each other, even after 50 years of marriage. Mafalda was very active in the Upland community. She was a lifetime member of Upland-3/8s Assistance League (a philanthropic organization, now called Assistance League of the Foothill Communities), most memorably as the cheerful pianist at the League's annual Christmas Tree Brunch, entertaining guests for nearly thirty years with a vast repertoire of carols. She also served 10 years on the San Antonio Community Hospital Board ofDirectors -the first woman board member. Mafalda and Ed hosted many a wine tasting charity event and were a bridge team to be reckoned with. Mafalda leaves a legacy of love, community, and music to her family and friends. We treasure her memory. A memorial will be held at Etiwanda Gardens (7576 Etiwanda Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga CA, 91739) on Dec. 4, 2010, 1:00 pm. Please note the earlier time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Assistance League of the Foothill Communities, PO Box 927Upland, CA 91785 or the San Antonio Hospital Foundation, 999 San Bernardino Road Upland, California 91786.