In loving memory of

Marie D. Destra
April 8, 1954 - May 30, 2021

Maria D. Destra (nee Cassiano), on May 30, 2021, of Blackwood, NJ and formerly of Philadelphia, Age 67.

Beloved wife of Joseph Destra, Sr. for 44 years, devoted mother of Joseph Jr. (Janai), Stephanie (Philip), Anthony (Stephanie) and William. Dear Mom-Mom of Johnny, Brooke, Joseph, Louis, Jason, and Brian. Sister in Law of the late Tony Destra, Frank and Helen Destra, and Aunt of Laura Carbo (John) and Frank Destra (Alex). Great Aunt to Gina and Justine Carbo. Daughter of William and Mary Cassiano (Trautwein), and beloved sister to the late Frank Cassiano.

Master of kitchen, the Chef to the Destra family and Music aficionado, she was a caring mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and true friend to the many people she touched the life of. There will be a visitation on Thursday, June 3rd at Our Lady of Hope Parish (701 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood, NJ) from 8:45am to 10:45am, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11am. Entombment at St. Joseph's Mausoleum, Chews Landing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maria's memory to Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice (https://samaritannj.org/giving/donate-now/) or the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/).

Tributes

Maria Mauro Arcolesse wrote on Jul 7, 2021:

"I?m am so Sad, I just found out Maria passed. We went to Mater Dolorosa for 8 years together, such Great & Funny Memories?.We just hooked up on Facebook over the last 10+ years & really bonded again, through our Life Experiences & Our Love of Music?.I noticed after Mother?s Day she didn?t Post anymore & I felt something was amiss. So I just found out & will Miss our Chats & Talks & The most Loving & Caring Woman she was. I Love You Maria Cassiano & will always carry you in my heart.. God Bless to your Family? ???????"

akoalanut@hotmail.com wrote on Jun 13, 2021:

"Joe and family, It's was with great sadness that we heard of Marie's passing. We have known Marie for the past 26 years and she's like family to us. Always with a beautiful smile, kind and encouraging words and wonderful stories of your family. A beautiful woman inside and out. We will miss her terribly. Your family will be in our prayers. Tricia and Tracey - Salon 201"

Terry Martin wrote on Jun 4, 2021:

"Dear Joe and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Marie. I worked with Marie for a few years at the credit union. She was kind, caring, and always happy. I could still hear her laugh, it was infectious. Whenever you saw Marie she was dressed beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Terry Martin "

Clara Brown wrote on Jun 2, 2021:

"Joe and Family. My condolences go out to your family at this time of sorrow. I knew Marie through my sister Jacqueline Kubacki. I was in Marie company several times. She was always happy and pleasant to be around. Clara Brown"

Clara Brown wrote on Jun 2, 2021:

"Joe and Family. My condolences go out to your family at this time of sorrow. I knew Marie through my sister Jacqueline Kubacki. I was in Marie company several times. She was always happy and pleasant to be around. Clara Brown"

Nicole Etschman Kline wrote on Jun 2, 2021:

"Marie is my sister?s mother-in-law and she and Joe have always treated my kids as if they were their own grandkids. Marie is one of the funniest, kindest, and sassiest women I have ever met. I am blessed to have known her for as long as I did and to have been included in her family. "

jacqueline kubacki wrote on Jun 2, 2021:

"Dear Joe - I have so many memories of being with Marie. Our times together will always be cherished. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Jackie Kubacki"

Billie Jo Levengood wrote on Jun 2, 2021:

"Beautiful, witty, sweet, caring, loving...are just a few of the words that describe "Aunt" Marie. I met Marie when Laura and I were in grade school and I loved the time that I spent with the Destra family. She was always dressed beautifully and her smile and laugh were infectious. I'll never forget her. My heart goes out to all of the Destra family. I am sending my love and prayers of comfort. Thinking of you all, Billie Jo Levengood "

JIM MINK AND FAMILY wrote on Jun 1, 2021:

"JOE DESTRA AND FAMILY MARIE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED, SHE WAS A GREAT AND CARING PERSON TO ALL MY FAMILY REST IN PEACE"

Kathy Liparota wrote on Jun 1, 2021:

"Joe/Stephanie Ernie and I are so, so very sorry for your loss. Marie was a genuine and beautiful women and so Funny. Never a dull moment when she was around. Although we were not in her company as much as we would have wanted to be, aside from a celebration here and there, we will surely miss her a lot. Our Deepest and Sincere Sympathy, Ernie and Kathy Liparota "