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Maria Cortese Obituary
Born in Sicily, Maria was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Providenza (Perdichizzi) Bonazinga. She lived there until 1971, when she courageously immigrated to the United States at age thirty-six with her six children, determined to build a better life for her family. Like the island that raised her, Maria carried both strength and grace throughout her life, meeting every challenge with courage, resilience, and love.
Maria was a hardworking entrepreneur, running restaurants and contributing her culinary talents to a gourmet Italian pasta facility over the years, sharing recipes and skills that delighted many. She cherished crocheting, knitting, and sewing for family and friends, leaving behind beautiful, lasting reminders of her care.
Above all, Maria's life was defined by her unwavering love, her enduring spirit, and her devotion to family. Vito and Edyta were honored to be her caregivers in her final years, providing comfort and companionship through her decline - a reflection of the love she had given so generously throughout her life.
She is survived by her children: Carmella Kalafa and her husband David of Middletown, Pasquale Cortese and his wife Lisa of Tolland, Enza Cortese of VA, Vito Cortese and his wife Edyta of East Windsor, and Salvatore Cortese of MA. She also leaves many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her spirit and memory.
She was predeceased by her sons, Tom Cortese and Biagio Cortese.
Her family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 10-11:15am at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12pm, at St. Luke Church, Ellington. A Burial will follow in Ellington Center Cemetery. For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maria, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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for Maria Cortese
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Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home
October 31, 2025
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
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Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT 06074-3709
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