MARIA BACCARI

Maria P. Baccari, 86, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2023 with her loving family by her side.

Born in Cuba to the late Primitivo and Angela (Cabus) Fernandez on October12, 1937, Maria came to the United States in 1953 to become one of the first boarding residents of St. Mary's Academy - Bay View in Riverside, RI, where she was taken under the wings of Sister Mary Grazia, RSM.

It was in Rhode Island, several years later, that she met the man who would become the love of her life, "her Bernie." Married in 1963, they resided in East Greenwich until she relocated to Arlington, Virginia to live with her daughter.

Maria is survived by two children: Maria Baccari and her husband, Joseph Pari, and Bernard Baccari and his wife, Lisa. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Alexandra, Zachary and Michael. She is outlived by her loving sister, Cristina, who resides in Cuba along with her nieces, great nieces and great nephews. She is predeceased by her adoring husband, Bernard, and her brother, Javier.

Maria was the embodiment of grace, elegance and class. Her piercing blue eyes would mesmerize anyone in her presence. She was an accomplished cook, avid gardener, and she loved to dance. She had an enormous appreciation for the arts, namely ballet, classical music and the theatre. Her secret pleasures were her daily serving of Haagan Dazs ice cream, wine with dinner, an occasional espresso martini, her collection of colorful and expressive hats and any song by Rod Stewart!

She was immensely proud of her family and known by all to be steadfastly loyal. She was well-traveled and lived a remarkable, full and beautiful life.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her as Maria and Mama Maria. Her legacy, kindness generosity, and love will continue to inspire and touch the lives of many.

Heartfelt thanks to her very special and wonderful caregivers over the years. Most especially, our family owes a great debt of gratitude and love to Alem Magenta, Mama's primary caregiver for the last several years of her life. Her kindness, love, devotion and expertise in care will never be forgotten and is deeply appreciated. In addition, we are grateful to Tigist, Joyce, Angela and the many who helped our family navigate the enormous amount of specialized care that was required as Mama courageously navigated Parkinson's Disease during the last several years of her life. And a special thanks to Goodwin Hospice and the team at Synergy Homecare.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Everly-Wheatley Funeral Parlor and Crematory, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, Virginia, and in respecting Maria's last wishes, her services will be private. In lieu of flowers, Maria wished all would consider any memorial contributions be directed to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Make a Wish Foundation or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.