Maria "Mary" Unzueta

Maria "Mary" Unzueta
Mary Unzueta passed away peacefully on February 12, 2023, in San Mateo, CA
with her daughter and granddaughter by her side providing comfort, care and
love.
Mary was born on August 30, 1927 in Rogliano, Italy to Francesco and Rampilla
Citino. She was the first of three siblings to be born and as the eldest, took on a
responsible and caring role of her siblings well into adulthood.
Francesco left the family in 1932 to come to the United States to pursue employment opportunities that were more favorable for providing for his family.
During that time, Mary spent a significant amount of time helping her paternal
grandparents on their farm and selling crops of figs, chestnuts, garlic and cherries
at the local market.
Mary enjoyed spending time in the rural countryside of Rogliano with her family
to escape the invasions taking place in the more populated towns during World
War II. The countryside consisted of serene rolling hills where she and her siblings
worked and played.
In 1948, Mary and her family traveled to Naples where they boarded the Saturnia
ship on their voyage to the United States to be reunited with Franceso. They arrived at Ellis Island eleven days later. They then traveled by train from New York to Sacramento where they were greeted by Francesco and cousins Angie
Ferraiuolo, Vera Florio and Frank Ferraiuolo.
Immigrating to the United States required learning English and adjusting to a new
way of life. Mary embraced this challenge and became a US Citizen.
She met Joe Unzueta in 1958 and the two married and created a beautiful life together in
Colusa. Joe passed away on February 5, 2021, and he has been truly missed by his
family.
Mary worked at the Sunsweet Prune Plant for 24 years. After the plant closed, she went to work in the housekeeping department at the Colusa Hospital and retired after 22 years of service.
Mary and Joe enjoyed their retirement years together gardening, traveling and spending time at their cabin in Butte Meadows. They
also enjoyed visits to the Bay Area to spend time with family and attend their granddaughter's sporting events when she was in Junior High and High School.
Mary was devoted to her family and had a passion for cooking and baking. While
quiet and graceful, Mary embodied strength and resilience. She was a devout Catholic and her faith provided her comfort and strength.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Joe Unzueta of 62 years, her parents Franceso and Rampilla Citino, brother Gaetano (Guy) Citino and sister Gelsomina (Venci) Alessio and brother-in-law Frank Alessio of Grimes.
Mary is survived by her loving daughter Anna Paiva and granddaughter Cristina Paiva who both live in San Mateo. Mary has spent the last two years living with Anna and Cristina and
she will be forever missed.
Viewing will be held at McNary Moore Chapel on Friday, February 24 th from 5 pm
to 7 pm with a Rosary Vigil to follow at 7 pm.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 25 th at 1 pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colusa.
A luncheon reception in honor of Joe and Mary will be held at St. Bernadette's Hall following Interment. As a result of Covid, the family had not yet held a reception for Joe and will honor
him along with Mary on Saturday.
Anna and Cristina wish to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Suncrest Hospice for their care and support to the family. Additionally, loving care was also provided by caregivers from Able Home Companion Care. Anna and Cristina are grateful for the outpour of support and visits received from family and
friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School or Church, LymeLight Foundation in Burlingame, or a charity of your choice.