Maria Avancini

Maria Avancini Maria Avancini, 91, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2011, with her family by her side. Maria was born in Selva di Levico, Italy, on September 8, 1919. She traveled to the United States in 1940 and settled in Franklin with her husband, Mario, and raised a family. Maria loved this country, and one of her proudest moments was when she became a U.S. Citizen in 1953. She worked at St. Patrick Rectory for many years and Franklin High School Cafeteria for 6 years. In 1971, Maria moved to Pittsburgh, where she worked for St. Clair Memorial Hospital Dietary Department for 13 years, retiring in 1984. In 1985 she moved to sunny California to enjoy her retirement years. Maria was an accomplished cook and baker, and was noted for her many Italian specialties. Nothing pleased her more than preparing special meals for family and friends. Maria's other favorite pastimes were ceramics, crocheting, gardening, volunteering, and being involved in her church. Maria's children and grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy, and she never tired of praising and encouraging them all. We are blessed to have had her as a mother, grandmother, and friend. She will never be forgotten and will remain in our hearts forever. She is survived by her daughters, Dolores Marando (Frank), Iole Fechser (Alan); her grandchildren, Mark Marando (Jennifer), Christopher Marando (Noreen), Julia Dubiel, and Nicole Dubiel; her six great-grandchildren; her sisters, Albina Libardoni, Adelia Bommassar, and Letizia Cetto; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Albino and Maria Ochner Cetto, Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Mario; two infant children; and her brother, Angelo Cetto. Family and friends of Maria will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Thursday, August 25, 2011 from 3 to 7 p.m. A Christian Wake Service will be held by Deacon Richard Reed at the Funeral Home on Thursday, August 25 at 6:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Maria will be held on Friday, August 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Msgr. Herbein as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at DJ Manor, Angels on Tracy, and Buena Vista Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Buena Vista Hospice Care, 143 Triunfo Canyon Road #103, Westlake Village, CA 91361. To view and send condolences, flowers and sympathy cards, people can visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.