Mary (Ferrante) Clarizio

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2017. She joins her husband Gino in heaven, where they are dancing together once again.

Mary was born in Sannicandro Bari, Italy on September 2, 1929. She was the daughter of Alessandro and Brigida Ferrante. When Mary was a young child, her mother tragically passed away.  Alessandro was eventually remarried to Giacoma Desimini, Mary’s aunt. Mary was raised by Giacoma along with her brother Tony. Mary enjoyed attending school, spending time with her friend Nardina, and her brother.

Her father emigrated to the United States and settled in Spokane. Giacoma, Mary and her brother followed Alessandro to Spokane. Mary returned to Italy to marry the boy next door, a soldier named Gino, the brother of her best friend Nardina. Gino and Mary survived World War II, then returned to Spokane to begin their life together. Mary went right to work learning English, working in a pasta factory, and preparing her new life in her new country. Gino and Mary had three sons, who were their pride and joy. Mary raised “her boys” with such love and loyalty. All of the neighborhood kids knew they were welcome at Mary’s house where she would feed them a sandwich and spaghetti on Sundays. She kept them all on the right track with her wooden spoon and slipper. Family was everything to Mary, and even up until she left this earth, she was still cooking Sunday Dinners for the whole family. Mary and her husband celebrated 58 wonderful years of marriage and they were both proud to be Italian. We will miss her with all of our hearts and we will cherish the rich legacy she has left our family.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband Gino, brothers Laurence, Pete, and Vito.

Mary is survived by her three sons and their families: Joe and Mary and children Joey and Lisa (Joel) and great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Nico, Leona, Gino, Josephine; Jim and Lisa and children Michael (Sarah) and Katie (Jake); John and Lorri and children Ashly (Scott) and Erin (Christian) and great-grandchildren Elin, Isla, Pyper and Ezekiel.  

Mary is also survived by her brother Tony.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Gonzaga Preparatory School, 1224 E Euclid, Spokane, WA  99207

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