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Maria "Mary" Finestra, 99, passed away peacefully at her home in Camp Hill, on Sunday, April 11, surrounded by her family and caregivers.
She was born Maria Cantagallo, on February 27, 1911 in Penne, Abruzzo, Italy, the youngest of six children of Domenico and Maria Cantagallo. She immigrated to the United States in 1934, after her marriage to Carmine Finestra, of Harrisburg, PA. Her husband, also a native of Penne, had immigrated to America in 1919, and met her when he returned to Italy for a visit.
Despite the fact that the school in her village could only provide her with a third grade education, Maria attended night school in Harrisburg and learned English, so she could pass her test for U.S. Citizenship.
Mrs. Finestra worked as a seamstress in dress factories in the Harrisburg area at various times from the 1930s through the 1960s, stopping only to remain at home when her children were young. She returned to work as they got older, and her love for sewing was a lifetime passion. She made clothes for her family, altered garments for friends and neighbors, and maintained excellent flexibility and strength in her fingers her entire life.
She was a woman of modest tastes, but always dressed stylishly, and took great pride in her appearance. She was known as someone in whom you could confide, who would never betray a confidence, and who you could count on for a word of encouragement. She loved to laugh, and enjoyed all music from Opera to Country. She and her husband were always the first couple on the dance floor at a wedding or social event.
Maria was also a marvelous cook, who incorporated the fresh vegetables from her garden in all her meals. She made her own sauces, her own pasta, and no meal was complete without her homemade bread. Her children always looked forward to special occasions, when she made her exceptional Italian Rum Cake. She extended her hospitality to all who entered her home, and immediately offered them something to eat. Like all Italian mothers, she would not let them leave until they said yes. One of her favorite expressions was, "Eat slow. Eat a lot".
She was never afraid to accept a challenge. She learned to drive a car and got her license when she was 46 years old. She kept her car in such excellent condition and drove it so sparingly, that when she finally sold it, she received more for it than what she originally paid.
Maria embodied the best qualities of the many Italian immigrants who came to America. She was resilient, proud, strong-willed, resourceful, principled, an enthusiastic worker, and absolutely dedicated to her family. She maintained a spotless home and her thrift and ability to save money were legendary. She and her husband never purchased a single thing on credit in their lifetime.
She was a devout Roman Catholic, and attended Mass every Sunday. In later years, when she was unable to leave her home on a regular basis, she received great comfort from the Communion that was brought to her by the Priests and Deacons of Good Shepherd Parish in Camp Hill, where she was a member for the last 40 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Carmine; a son, Anthony, brothers and sisters Francesco, Gaetano, Gabriel, Emilia, and Anna. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Carmen and Tonia Finestra, of Lemoyne and Santa Monica, CA; a graddaughter, Gina, of San Francisco; a nephew, Sam Gamba, of Charlotte, NC; a grand-niece and her husband, Lori and Mark Antonich, also of Charlotte, and several relatives in Italy and Pennsylvania.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 16, 2010 at 11AM at The Church Of The Good Shepherd, 3435 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill, PA. A viewing will be held at the Church from 9:00AM to 11:00AM. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Maria's name to Bishop McDevitt High School, 2200 Market St. Harrisburg PA 17103.
The Dailey Funeral Home is honored to serve the Finestra family.
www.daileyfuneralhome.com

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