Bernarda "Caterina" Marra

Bernarda Caterina Marra, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on August 27, 1946, in San Giovanni in Fiore, Italy, she was the cherished daughter of Margherita Mele and Salvatore Iuliano. Caterina was one of five siblings and is survived by her brother, Domenico Iuliano.

In 1964, Caterina came to the United States to join her sister, beginning a new chapter of her life filled with courage and hope. A few years later, she returned to Italy, where she married her childhood friend and true love, Giovanni Marra, in 1969. Together, they came back to the United States to build a life rooted in love, hard work, and family.

Caterina was a talented seamstress who worked as a St. John designer specialist at Nordstrom for many years. Her impeccable sense of style and eye for detail reflected her creativity and elegance. Her and Giovanni together created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of delicious food.

Family was Caterina's greatest joy. She loved nothing more than spending time with those she loved, whether gathered around the dinner table or working together on family traditions. Every year she would gather the family up to carry out cherished traditions that she grew up with back in Italy such as canning tomatoes or making homemade sausages and traditional desserts at Christmas from her hometown.

Caterina's creativity extended beyond the kitchen. She lovingly sewed specialty pieces for her daughters-in-law, Maria and Kristina, and Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. One of her most cherished creations was a chef's hat and coat, proudly worn by each grandchild - a symbol of the love and traditions she passed down.

Known affectionately as "Nonna," Caterina was adored by her grandchildren, Sofia, Alessia, Domenic, and Vasco. Her kindness, generosity, and strength touched everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her sons, Domenico (Maria) and Rino (Kristina). She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Giovanni Marra, her parents, and three of her siblings.

Family will receive friends, Sunday, November 16, 2025 3-8pm with Rosary 7pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave., (btwn 13-14 Mile) Royal Oak. 248-549-0500.

Funeral Mass Monday, November 17, 2025, 11:30am, at St. Hugo of the Hills Stone Chapel, 2215 Opdyke Rd., Bloomfield Hills. The funeral mass will be livestreamed here: https://app.attend.live/viewer/embedfullscreen?idEvent=AD8qO Visitation at church begins 11am.

Interment White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery.