In loving memory of

Maria Porzia Cazzanti
November 22, 1940 - May 20, 2014

Maria Porzia Cazzanti, 73, passed away peacefully May 20, 2014 at her home. She was born November 22, 1940. Originally from the Southern Italian region of Puglia, Maria, her parents and five siblings moved to Milan, in Northern Italy, after World War II. There Maria completed her studies to be a teacher and met Mario, her future husband of 44 years. Maria taught elementary school for 25 years, and was known by her fellow teachers and students for her high standards, her passion and her sense of humor. Maria retired from teaching when she, her husband and their two children moved to Rochester, but her love of teaching and for sharing her passions with others never retired! In Rochester she taught private lessons in Italian, and quickly mastered quilting, becoming a teacher of quilting techniques to her ever growing circle of friends. Maria loved entertaining at her house, and cooked delicious Italian meals for her friends and family. She became a popular cooking teacher at the Italian store Sopra Sotto in Rochester, where she shared her passion for cooking and teaching with enthusiastic patrons who left her lessons with full stomachs. Maria was also active in the choir at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, sharing her love of music with the congregation. In all her endeavors, Maria always showed generosity, always putting the needs of others, and especially her children, ahead of her own. She was a kind soul who enlivened everyone's day.

Maria is survived by her husband, Mario; two sons, Luca (Joy) and Stefano; grandsons, Giacomo and Nicolo`; siblings, Antonio, Mauro, Giulia, Rosa and Pietro Porzia and numerous nieces and nephews. Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Giacomo and Angela (Magliocco) Porzia.

A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 am Saturday, May 24, 2014 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5455 50th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN with Father Thomas Loomis officiating. A visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 pm Friday, May 23, 2014 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at Via del Mare Cemetery in Massa Fiscaglia (FE) Italy. Memorial contributions may be to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 411 2nd St. NW., Rochester, MN 55901 or to Holy Spirit Catholic Church Choir Fund

Tributes

gabriele wrote on May 29, 2014:

"Apprendiamo con profondo dispiacere del lutto che vi ha colpito Avremo sempre un ottimo ricordo di Maria Le nostre pi sentite condoglianze Gabriele, Daniela e Marco"

Roberto e Stefania Battiloro wrote on May 28, 2014:

"Abbiamo appreso della scomparsa della sig.ra Maria Cazzanti A Mario, Luca e Stefano Le nostre pi sentite condoglianze Un abbraccio Roberto, Stefania, Silvia , Chiara e Andrea Battiloro Via F.lli bandiera 1D 20871 Vimercate (MB) i"

Atto e Lucia Rinaldo wrote on May 28, 2014:

"Mario, Luca, Stefano; Vi giungano le nostre condoglianze. Ricordiamo Maria Sorridente e gioiosa. Vi siamo Vicini. Vi salutano anche Loris e Arianna. Atto e Lucia "

Porzia rosa wrote on May 24, 2014:

"Nella Pace dove tu sei., Tienimi ancora per mano. Tua sorella piccola Rosa"

Kristi Carpine and Roger Taber wrote on May 24, 2014:

"Mario, Luca, Steve and Joy, We are thinking of you and remembering what a vibrant and loving person Maria was. Thank you for posting so many pictures and remembrances of her.  They are such great reminders of her creative energy and passion for sharing her gifts with others. We mourn with you her passing and celebrate the love that she shared with us and so many people during her life.  Most of all, we know how much she loved you all and her family.   God's Peace, Roger and Kristi"

Frank and Marion Carpine wrote on May 24, 2014:

"Dear Mario. Lucca, and Stefano,    We are thinking of you today and remembering what a lovely lady Maria was.  We did not get to know her very well but did recognize what a lovely and loving person she was.  She will be remembered by many, students, friends, and especially family, and Grandsons.       May God shine upon you and give you peace,    Frank & Marion Carpine "

Adriano Caroli e famiglia wrote on May 23, 2014:

"Mario, Luca e Stefano, ci uniamo al dolore della scomparsa di Maria,... quanti ricordi, che bei ricordi,... Auguri di ogni bene"

Elena Cazzaniga wrote on May 22, 2014:

"Ciao Mario, ti sono vicina con la preghiera in questo doloroso momento. Un grande abbraccio."

Giulio e Marisa Banfi wrote on May 22, 2014:

"Carissimo Mario, siamo particolarmente colpiti e addolorati per la prematura scomparsa della cara indimenticabile Maria.   Ci passano ancora davanti agli occhi i bei momenti vissuti con voi in Romagna, nei quali abbiamo apprezzato Maria per la sua grande simpatia e per le sue speciali capacit gastronomiche. Assieme ai nostri figli siamo veramente vicini a te e ai tuoi carissimi ragazzi, che ricordiamo con tanto affetto. Un abbraccio da Giulio, Marisa, con Cecilia, Laura e Vittorio."

patrizia letterese wrote on May 22, 2014:

"Non semplicemente mancata una donna, non semplicemente mancata zia Maria, se n' andata una GRANDE persona, il suo ricordo e il suo amore, per non svanir.. Zio Mario, Luca e Stefano, il Vostro dolore anche il nostro. Con affetto. Patrizia & Famiglia"

Olivier wrote on May 22, 2014:

"Dear Mario, From MOP, We are thinking to you and your Family. Really sad..."

Paul Eull wrote on May 22, 2014:

"Mario So sad to hear of the passing of your lovely wife, Maria.  May she rest in peace and you smile when you look to the sky!  May God bless Her, You and Your Family!  Ciao.  Paul"

Betty Jean Recknor wrote on May 22, 2014:

"Mario, Luca and Steve, We are saddened by Maria's death and wish we could be there to celebrate her life on Sunday. I'm glad she was able to be with you at home and with her family, as was her wish. She will be missed by many - especially those grandchildren she so looked forward to enjoying. Betty Jean "

daniel beltran wrote on May 22, 2014:

"Bonjour Mario... i have no words to say how much we are sorry for Maria. It is so sad... we are thinking to both of you... Be strong. remember we are here if you need... francoise and daniel."

Davide Margherita Valeria e Roberta Dossi wrote on May 22, 2014:

"Siamo addolorati per la vostra perdita un abbraccio a tutti."

Carol Brewen wrote on May 22, 2014:

"Mario, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!"

Darla & Brad Smith wrote on May 22, 2014:

"Mario, Luca & Stefano, We are so sorry to hear of Maria's passing.  She was a wonderful person and will be missed.  So happy that you all were able to visit in the last few weeks. You are all in our prayers. Love, Darla & Brad Smith"

MARIA GRAZIA MARCHESI ED ELIGIO OMATI wrote on May 21, 2014:

"iL RICORDO DI MARIA, LA SUA CAPACITA' DI ACCOGLIENZA E CORDIALITA' CI ACCOMPAGNERA' SEMPRE. COMMOSSI PARTECIPIAMO AL DOLORE DELLA SUA FAMIGLIA E DEI SUOI AMICI PER LA PREMATURA SCOMPARSA DI UNA COLLEGA ED AMICA. AVREMMO VOLUTO AVERLA ANCORA FRA NOI!"

Darlene Quiel wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Mario and Family, you are in my prayers during this sad time."

Ron Pharr wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Mario, My wife and I want you and family to know you are in our thoughts and prayers and wish you the Peace of Christ during this period of mourning.   Sincerely, Ron Pharr"

Antonio Vultaggi e amiglia wrote on May 21, 2014:

"I nostri cuori pieni di dolore si uniscono a voi con grande affetto e cordoglio. Antonio Vultaggio e famiglia."

Ingiosi Enzo wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Mario, in questo tristissimo momento siamo vicini a te, Luca e Stefano. Un grandissimo abbraccio Enzo Ingiosi e famiglia."

Patti Hall wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Mario and your family,  you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness."

Manieri Pietro wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Caro Mario, ti invio le mie pi  sentite condoglianze"

Paolo e Linda Fontanella wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Mario sono veramente dispiaciuto di sentire di Maria. So che stata una lunga battaglia contro questa malattia. Ti faccio le mie pi sentite condoglianze anche da parte della Linda e ti terremo nelle nostre preghiere.   "

Lucia De Vido e Bruno Brambilla wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Carissimi Mario, Luca e Stefano vi siamo vicini in questo momento di dolore, pensiamo spesso a Maria e a voi. Un grandissimo abbraccio. Lucia e Bruno "

Bruno De Rocco wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Caro Mario, ti esprimo le mie sentite condoglianze."

beppe dovera wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Carissimo Mario, un abbraccio forte"

Massimo Tosi wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Caro Mario,                         ti sono vicino in questo doloroso evento. Se sei credente saprai certamente che il distacco ci lascia sgomenti ma chi ci lascia vola con gioia accanto al Signore e ci protegge con lo stesso amore con cui ci circondava in vita. Un caldo abbraccio di sincera amicizia dal tuo ex collega Massimo "

Patrizia Soardi wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Caro Mario, ti sono vicina in questo momento cos doloroso. Ricorder sempre la dolcezza di Maria e serber memoria degli anni passati insieme alla Don Milani. Abbraccio te e i tuoi ragazzi, Patrizia"

Mariuccia Galli wrote on May 21, 2014:

"Ciao, Mario. Ti penso in questo momento cos doloroso della tua vita. Ricordo Maria nella scuola  e ne serber memoria. Prego per lei. Ti abbraccio forte."

Roberto Guizzi wrote on May 21, 2014:

"caro Mario, io ed Anna ti siamo molto vicini.    Ci spiace di non essere presenti per condividere con un abbraccio la nostra partecipazione al tuo dispiacere.   Ci ricordiamo e continueremo a ricordarci di Maria.  Con amicizia - Roberto e Anna"