Maria Rich, 91
Maria Surace Rich was born on June 9, 1923 to James Surace and Sara Speranza in Irondequoit, NY. She passed away peacefully on June 8, 2014 in Ventura, CA.
Maria grew up in Rochester, NY and always thought of it as “Home”. She had a loving childhood, and, as the youngest, was doted on by her three brothers and one sister. Maria came to California in 1945 to live with two of her brothers and this is when she met her soul mate, Sam. She took secretarial classes and soon became employed in what would become a lifelong career as a secretary. Prior to retirement, she worked for the County of Los Angeles, for the County Supervisors.
Maria and Sam were married for 57 years. The family was complete when daughter, Livia, was born. Maria’s main objective in life was to love and care for her family which was evident in everything she did. Whether cooking delicious Italian food or tending to her garden, which provided beautiful flowers for the home, Maria’s happiness and joy shined through. A common family outing was either going to the ocean or mountains for the day, made complete with a homemade picnic lunch.
Maria was preceded in death by beloved husband, Sam, who passed away in 2007, her parents and four siblings. She is survived by daughter Livia Rich Wyant and son-in-law Dale Wyant of Ventura, CA, step-granddaughter Crystal Wyant of Phelan, CA, niece Roselyn Pavone and family of Rochester, NY, and nephew Lester Rich of Thousand Oaks.
Family and Friends are invited to visiting hours Friday evening, July 18th 2014, in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME, 757 E. Main Street Ventura,, with the Most Holy Rosary to be recited at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday July 19, 2014 at 11AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura, with a short reception from 12:00-2:00pm at The Bonaventure Senior Living at 10949 Telegraph Rd, Ventura. Burial for Maria and Sam will be at the Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside. Contact the family for the date and time.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation be be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America charity.