WILMINGTON — Maria J. Furlani, our beloved mother and Nonna, formerly of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2024, at the age of 93, at the home of her daughter Catherine, in Wilmington, NC.
The daughter of Sigisfredo Troiano and Carmela Freda, she was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 19, 1930. She graduated from Richmond Hill High School in Queens, NY and received a Bachelor’s degree in history and elementary education from St. John’s University.
She previously taught elementary school in Hicksville, NY and St. Joan of Arc Catholic School in Boca Raton, FL.
She is survived by her sister Frances Troiano, her three children, Catherine Furlani, Robert Furlani of Cary, NC and Linda Furlani and her husband Michael Calenti of Hyde Park, NY.
She is also survived by her two cherished granddaughters Gina Del Prete and her husband Brad Bleakney and Lucia Del Prete in addition to several cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Maria was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Walter Furlani and her precious grandson Andrew Del Prete, with whom she had a special relationship.
Proud of her Italian heritage, Maria traveled to Italy often, spending time with her grandmother, aunt, uncle and cousins in the mountains of Abruzzo, and also enjoyed many memorable trips throughout Italy with her husband.
Maria’s greatest passions were found in music (Italian opera) and Italian cooking; preparing memorable Sunday (and every other day of the week) meals for family and friends, (even a repairman or two, or the lawn care guy), all were invited and welcomed with open arms. It was her way of expressing and sharing her love with each one of us.
In her day she was an avid tennis player and golfer. She loved and appreciated nature deeply, especially the beauty of the Hudson Valley. Her warm personality and loving spirit touched many lives for the better and she will be profoundly missed by all.
Private services and a celebration of her life will be planned for a later date.
Donations may be made in Maria’s memory to the local Hospice in Wilmington, NC: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation,1414 Physicians Drive Wilmington, NC 28401-7335.
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