Mary Anselmi Ravarino

Mary Anselmi Ravarino, Age 93, died at home on October, 24, 2017, surrounded by family.

Mary was born on September, 8, 1924 in Reliance, Wyoming to the "best parents", Felix and Maria Anselmi, who emigrated from the stunning Dolomite Mountains of Italy.  She married the love of her life, Frank Daniel Ravarino, on August 20, 1949.  Frank and Mary were blessed with three children, Frank (Michelle), Maria (Robert) and Annette, and four grandchildren, Sean and Morgan McKenna, Nicholas Smoldon and Alex Ravarino.   She called them her "jewels".   

As a young child Mary moved from Wyoming to West Weber, Utah.  She graduated from Weber High School and then from the University of Utah in education.  She began many fulfilling years teaching elementary school.  She taught at Wasatch Elementary where she met her lifelong friend Dorothy Webster.  She also taught at Arlington, Bonneville, Rose Park, Whittier and the Shriner's Hospital School. 

Mary's service to education was also outside the classroom.  She was a Girl Scout leader and Den Mother.  She was president of the U's Chapter of Childhood Education and served on many boards over the years.  She was involved in Utah Nature Study Society, Utah Girls Village, Utah Opera Board, Neighborhood Garden Club, Utah State Garden Club and the Wheeler Farm Board, Westminster Board, PEO, and Assistance League.    

Mary was the recipient of the AAUW Distinguished Woman of the Year Award in March of 2010.  

She was the Chair of the Carmelite Fair, Co-Founder of the Trentini Italians of Utah, and President of the Salt Lake District Council of Catholic Women.   

She was a devoted Catholic and Italian. Her Italian roots and devotion earned her the coveted Cavaliere Award from Italy in 1994.

What an extraordinary 93 years!  Mary enriched the live of so many through her service.  She loved life and enjoyed traveling the world.  Above all, her family brought her the most joy in her life and she was so very proud of them.   She was always telling everyone how lucky she was.  In reality, we were the lucky ones.   We love you Mom and Nonna!  You will be truly missed by all!  

From Mary: Tante Grazie a Tutti

Preceded in death by her parents Felix and Maria, her beloved husband Frank, her cherished brother Leno Anselmi, her sisters in law Dora Anselmi, Theresa Ravarino, and Joyce Ravarino and her brother in law Angelo Ravarino. 

Survived by the luckiest children and grandchildren, her dearest friend Elma Uzelac and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.   

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. 

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City.