Obituary of Mary Pauline Marsalisi

Mary Ghio Marsalisi passed away on March 31, 2013 at a local convalescent hospital. She was 92. Mary was born in Santa Cruz on February 16, 1921. She was one of eight children born to Stephen and Caterina Ghio. Mary grew up in Santa Cruz and was a graduate of Santa Cruz High School. As a young women she met Bernard Marsalisa while he was recovering at the Casa Del Rey from injuries he sustained in World War Two. The couple later married and made their home in Santa Cruz. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening and attending social gatherings of the Italian Catholic Federation and the Marconi Club. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. She is survived by her sons, Louis Marsalisi and Stephen Marsalisi and his wife, Julie; daughter, Ann Loncarich and her husband, Rick; sister, Victoria Gemignani; brother, Johnnie Ghio; four grandchildren, Chase Marsalisi, Leah Marsalisi-Romero and her husband, Ben Romero, Nicolette Marsalisi and Taryn Marsalisi; She is also survived by her great grandson, Benito Romero and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Marsalisi, five siblings, Steve "Ghighi" Ghio, Bautista "Lillie" Ghio, Victor Ghio, Flora Jackson and Gloria Dellamora, daughter-in-law, Bonnie Marsalisi and her parents. A vigil prayer service and rosary will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA. on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 7:00 pm. A visitation will be held at the chapel on Thursday from 5:00 pm until service time. A private family interment will be held on Friday at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family wishes to express a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Mary's nieces, Donna Karst and Linda Deane and her great niece Melissa Dean their unconditional love and the care they gave to her during her illness and to Hospice of Santa Cruz for the compassionate care and support they provided the last months of her life. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066.