Marie Filippi

Marie Filippi passed away peacefully Monday, April 11, 2022. She was 94 years old.

Marie was born Marie Christina Moraes on July 27, 1927 in Mill Valley, the only child of Portuguese immigrant parents Roque and Virginia Moraes. She grew up on her parent’s dairy which encompassed what is now Scott Valley and Enchanted Knolls. Marie spoke Portuguese until she began her education at Park School where with her parents encouragement she quickly learned English. Roque Moraes Drive in Mill Valley is named for her father.

She attended Tamalpais High School where she excelled academically, played violin in the school orchestra and served as President of the Mill Valley Youth Council which raised funds for an after-school canteen. Marie loved to dance and attended school dances with a close circle of wonderful friends, friendships she maintained all her life.

Marie graduated from Lux College with a degree in retail merchandising and worked at The White House in downtown San Francisco until family friend Walter Filippi won her heart and the couple were married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on May 6th, 1950. Together they had four children, Janet Adam ( Fred), Paul Filippi, James Filippi, and Regina Garcia ( Rich ). The family has grown to include seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Family and her Catholic faith were the focus of Marie’s life and she selflessly devoted her time and energy in support of her children’s endeavors and to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church of which she was a lifetime member. Also fundamental to Marie’s life was her Portuguese heritage which she imparted to her family. Marie was a lifelong member of the IDESST Portuguese Cultural Center in Sausalito.

Upon Walter’s retirement Marie and Walter fulfilled their lifelong desire to visit the countries their parents immigrated from. Among other travels they visited The Azores islands where Marie’s parents and Walter’s mother immigrated from and Carru, Italy from which Walter’s father’s family immigrated.

Never interested in learning to drive Marie opened her home in downtown Mill Valley to neighbors and friends who would stop by for a chat and a cup of coffee. Marie and Walter were a familiar sight in town on their daily walks and always stopped to say hello to everyone.

Marie and Walter were married for 65 years until Walter’s passing in 2015. In her later years, Marie found comfort in reading, praying the rosary, visiting with family and friends, and lots of walking.

Marie will be remembered by all who knew her for a life well lived of faith, family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 20 from 3:00-5:00PM at Adobe Creek Funeral Home 331 Lakeville St, Petaluma, CA.  A rosary and funeral Mass will be performed on April 21st at 10:30AM at Our lady of Mount Carmel Church, 3 Oakdale Avenue, Mill Valley.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church or a favorite charity.