Maria Di Ponio Obituary
Maria was born January 3, 1941, in Settefrati, Italy, to the late Girolamo and Olimpia (Marchelletta) Colarossi. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 57 years, Giuseppe, on April 1, 2020.
Maria was a devoted wife, mother, and matriarch whose life was centered on family, faith, and service to those she loved. She emigrated to the United States in 1956 at the age of 15, beginning a new chapter with courage and hope alongside her family. She shared 57 years of marriage with her beloved husband, building a home filled with love, tradition, and hospitality. Maria found great joy in cooking and hosting dinner gatherings, where extended family came together around her table. She and her husband cherished traveling to religious shrines and sacred sites, including a deeply meaningful pilgrimage to the Holy Land. A woman of profound Catholic faith, Maria drew strength from her beliefs, which sustained her with grace and perseverance throughout her husband's eight-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Surviving are three devoted children, Mark (Judy Wilk) Di Ponio, Tony (Grace) Di Ponio, and Sandy Di Ponio; four cherished grandchildren, Angelo (Marissa) Di Ponio, Celina Di Ponio, Samantha Shea, and Sabrina Shea; and two beloved sisters, Gelsina and Elisabetta Colarossi. In addition to her husband, Maria was preceded in death by siblings, Louisa Colarossi, Filomena Colarossi, Anna (Raymond) Coccimiglio, Dona Colarossi and Antonio Colarossi.
Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home on Friday, January 9, from 2-8 pm. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm.
Maria's funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning, January 10, at 11:00 am (in state at 10:30 am) at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills.
Entombment will follow in the Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum, Southfield.
Memorial tributes are kindly suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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23720 Farmington Road, Farmington, MI 48336
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