Mary Di Sera
April 11, 1932 - June 1, 2017
On June 1st, 2017, an Angel named Mariuccia "Mary" Di Sera decided it was time to move on to Heaven. She passed peacefully in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Mary was born on April 11th, 1932 in Caramanico, Italy to Fiore De Angelis and Lucia Di Monte. In 1949, she met a handsome Italian named Leonardo "Leonard" Di Sera. He swept her off her feet! Three months later, on October 20th, 1949, they were married in her home town. With great bravery, Mary left her country, her family, and her language to immigrate to the United States with her Leonard. They remained inseparable for 66 years.
Mary came into this world to make it a better place. Her natural love, light, and selflessness were a beacon for all who knew her. She truly lived to make life better for everyone she touched. As a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend she positively affected everyone around her in a special way. She had a natural calling to reach out and help others. She regularly visited and administered Holy Communion to the sick and ailing. She set aside time each day to pray for the needs of others. Knowing Mary's strong dedication to prayer, acquaintances would regularly ask that she include them in her prayers. Mary put her family, friends, and faith above all else. She exemplified the meaning of a selfless person.
Mary had a purity of heart and mind that allowed her to see people in an unfiltered way. She would unblinkingly look into your eyes and have a deeper understanding of how you were feeling. Mary's combination of honesty, caring and intuition helped her understand far beyond her formal education. Family and friends sought out her quiet wisdom and insight.
Mary took the news of her Alzheimer's disease with grace and determination. The last 6 years were not easy for Mary, but she maintained her sparkling smile and easy to laugh demeanor. She gracefully adjusted to her new world, never angry at her circumstances. Mary continued one foot in front of the other accepting each setback as it arrived. She lived her life with the highest integrity and principal. She navigated her long wonderful life with joy, courage and grace.
Mary is survived by her children Flamminio (Peggy) Di Sera, Gina Di Sera (Casey Jackson), Lenny (Tonya) Di Sera; four grandchildren Billy, Angela, Siena and Sante; three great-grandchildren McKenzie, Xander, and Devon.
A viewing will be held on Friday, June 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, with a Vigil beginning at 7:00 PM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 East Spring Lane, Salt Lake City. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 10th at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent Church. After the Mass, family and friends are invited to the Benvenue Center for a Luncheon in Mary's honor.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Neighborhood House.
In Loving Memory
We are very sorry to read of the loss of your beautiful mother. Sending your our love and condolences, Ira and Willamarie
Willamarie Huelskamp
Salt Lake City, Ut
What a beautiful obituary and loving memory of you Morher- our sincere condolences. The Scott Family- Jeff, Sarah, and the Boys
JK Scott
SLC, UT
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with all of the members of Mary's family. We really enjoyed reading the wonderful obituary. Love and Blessings. John and Nymfa Allem
John Allem
San Jose, CA
I send my condolences, Mary was amazing and I feel truly blessed to have been able to work with her at Neighborhood house!
Amber Cloward
Salt Lake, UT
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dear Mother. Work prevented me from making it to the service. Our condolences and best wishes to you and your family. Sincerely, Dave and Kathy Crane and family
David Crane
WEST VALLEY CITY, UT
Dear DiSera family I just learned today of the passing of your loving mother Mart I was first introduced to her by Fr Freegard probably some 30 years ago Right now though my tears are hardly allowing me to write a tribute of your mom, for she and Leonard came into my life during a very difficult time This little saint I came to know took me into her home, brought Holy Communion to my dad many times during his stay at the Wellington, and showed me what true adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was. Her tired little frame would often slump into her chair during her prayers, and I would watch until your sweet dad would come to call on her.
barbara herndon
midvale, ut
Dear Family, I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I have thought of her every time I've been in Caramanico and seen the cluster of stone houses where she was raised. Such a beautiful lady such an exemplary life. Please accept my sincerest condolences. I wish I could have attended the funeral but am out of town.
Dan Bethel
Salt Lake City, UT
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. Death at any age is difficult. May you find comfort in the words found at 1 Corinthians 15:26. It says: And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. And Hosea 13:14 says "From the power of the Grave I will redeem them; From death I will recover them." A wonderful promise from Jehovah God who cannot lie.
CB
Newark, Nj