Mary Ann Calannio

Mary Ann was proud of her Italian heritage. She married the love of her life Thomas J. Calannio in 1953. A devoted mother to Thomas, Cathy Marion, and Jeffrey Calannio, Mary Ann was known for her warmth, humor, and generosity. She hosted legendary family gatherings, made unforgettable Italian meals, and always put others before herself. After moving to California in 1987, she worked in retail and later at CHOC Hospital, showing strength and independence well into her later years. She loved Christmas, family visits, Italy, wearing turquoise, making pasta and meatballs, playing blackjack, and sharing stories about the “good old days.” Above all, she was a woman of deep faith who encouraged others with her kindness and strength. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.

Her three children survive Mary Ann, Thomas Calannio, wife Linda, and grandson Landon of Salinas, CA, Cathy Marion and husband Jesse of Houston TX, and Jeffrey Calannio, wife Kara and granddaughter Sienna of Laguna Niguel, CA. She also will be missed by many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Thomas, her parents, Joseph and Mary Ditonto Destro, and her sister, Cynthia Underwood.

The memorial service will be held at O’Connor’s Mortuary in Laguna Hills, California, on Friday, June 6, and a celebration of life will be held at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville, New York on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.