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Marie Leonardini Obituary
September 9, 1941 - November 5, 2023
After a brief illness, on November 5, 2023, in Sacramento, where she lived for 48 years. The elder daughter of the late Michael Andrew Carella and Viola Marie Carella (née Morucci), Marie was born on September 9, 1941, in San Francisco. She graduated from St. Matthew School in San Mateo in 1955, and Notre Dame High School in Belmont in 1959. In 1963, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Marquette University in Milwaukee and a Master's degree from the Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley, in 1989. Marie taught at Holy Spirit Parish School in Sacramento from 1989 to 1994.
In 1971, Marie married Raymond Leonardini, and together they raised two daughters: Annemarie Braun, born 1972, and Marisa Bender, born 1974. She is survived by them and her sons-in-law, Robert Braun and Michael Bender, and her grandsons: Daniel Braun (age 17), and Alex (18) and Aidan (14) Bender.
Marie is pre-deceased by her older brothers-Michael Jerome (late Kathleen) and John (Maryanne) and is survived by her four younger siblings-Anthony (late Franca), Paul (Anne), Vincent, and Christina (Kenneth Waldeck).
As this life drew to a close, she looked forward to the next, believing utterly in the words of St. Teresa of Avila: "She whom God possesses wants for nothing."
A celebration of Marie's life will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 11 am to 12 pm, at Saint Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, Sacramento, CA. Donations in her memory may be made to Sister Nora's Place Program by Sacramento Loaves & Fishes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marie Leonardini
Vicki Kennedy (Clemons)
January 12, 2024
My dear friend Marie and her family have a lifetime of precious memories to be treasured together with my family. I am forever grateful. Our lives have been blessed with smiles, laughter, celebrations, and challenges. Sending blessings and prayers and wishing you all PEACE for today and in the future. Much Love, Vicki, Jeff, Sarah, Sam, and Patrice, and their families.
Henry and Helen Marta
December 6, 2023
Our sincere condolences to Annmarie and Marisa; The wonderful memories of your mom will be with us forever and May the love of relatives and friends help in your grief. Marie was a very precious and dear friend.
Nicole Murphy Holscher
November 27, 2023
My deepest sympathies to Annemarie, Marisa, and their families.
Marie was an extraordinary individual who made a positive impact in my life at a young age. My first experience volunteering to feed the hungry was at age 7 with Marie, at Loaves and Fishes. That experience was eye-opening and taught me lifelong lessons about empathy, kindness, and compassion.
Another memory of Marie was in 1989, I was in 6th grade at OLA. Our teacher fell ill, and Marie filled in as our teacher for the rest of the school year. I remember enjoying Marie´s straightforward, no-nonsense, but pleasing way about her. She treated the students like young adults, not little kids.
I last saw Marie in 2012 at my bridal shower and again at my wedding and as always, it was as if no time had passed. She wished me well and shared some words of wisdom with me. Marie was a smart, thoughtful, and sweet person who will be missed by many.
Philip Carella
November 27, 2023
Sorry for your loss! I was glad to talk with Marie at Dominique´s wedding where we shared a great memory of her taking my brother John and I to Chinatown on a cable car as small kids. It was probably 1969 or 1970. I will miss her!
Julianne Carella
November 27, 2023
I will miss my aunt Marie deeply. She was an amazing person with a wealth of knowledge and an unshakable faith. I look forward to seeing her again in the spirit realm, until then my heart goes out to all her loved ones.
Mary Harty
November 26, 2023
I lost my older sister, I miss you so much Marie. You were my very dear friend. I will always remember our good times together with both of our families, and our happy gatherings.
Pam Peacock
November 26, 2023
Oh Marisa! My heart. A lovely tribute.
My sorrow for your loss. Peace and Love, Pam Peacock
John Mounier
November 20, 2023
Marie was a great parent, and a fantastic human being inspiration to her children.
My heart is with Annemarie and Marisa.
John Mounier
Los Angeles & San Francisco
Diana and family
November 20, 2023
Annemarie, Marisa and family
We are saddened to learn of your dear mother's passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended families at this difficult time.
Diana Meadwell and family
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