Obituary of Mary Christine Carnazzo

Mary Christine Curtis Carnazzo, 76, entered into eternal peace at Castle Memorial Hospital, Kailua, Hawaii, seven days shy of her 77th birthday. Mary was born August 15, 1936, on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. She was the last surviving child of Fredrick C. and Anna C. (Kuptz) Curtis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters: Thomas J. Curtis, Rita Hutchison, Jerome H. "Jake" Curtis, John R. "Jack" Curtis, Fred C. "Cy" Curtis, and Elaine McNiff. She graduated from Ss. Cosmas and Damian in 1954 and remained a faithful supporter of SSCD throughout the rest of her life. After graduating from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburg in 1957, she moved to California, with five of her nursing school buddies, and worked at Los Angeles County Hospital. Mary met Louie Carnazzo under an oak tree in Monterey, California, on Labor Day weekend in 1959. It was love at first sight, and after a long courtship (6 months) they were wed on February 13, 1960. Mary worked at Monterey Hospital for one year before their first child, Damian Christopher, was born. Mary then took up a successful career as loving wife and mother. The births of their daughters Lisa Maria and Regina Maria followed. In 1967 Mary and her family moved to Kailua, Hawaii, where she resided until her death. When Louie started his court reporting business in Honolulu, Mary was a keystone of its success. She interrupted her busy homemaker schedule to work side-by-side with him to build the business. A parishioner of St. Anthony Church, Mary was a very active volunteer—both at the church and parish school and in the Kailua community. She served as school nurse, playground mom, PTG Treasurer, spaghetti dinner chef, and costume designer. Mary especially loved children, and she nurtured all the children in her life with tremendous love and tender compassion. "Aunt Teenie," "Auntie Mary," "Mimi" was beloved for her animated storytelling and reading, her dry wit, her scrumptious meals, her creative sewing skills, and her hugely loving heart. Mary is survived by her husband Louie and their children: Damian and daughter-in-law Dana of Big Sur, CA, grandchildren, Alonzo Jack and Tessa Melora; Lisa and son-in-law Walter Ajanel of San Luis Obispo, CA, grandsons, Miguel Luis and Enrique Damian; daughter Regina "Gina" Carnazzo of Kailua; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey, California. Friday, August 30: Visitation, 6:30 p.m., Rosary, 7:00 p.m., with eulogies to follow. Saturday, August 31: Mass, 9:00 a.m., with burial to follow at San Carlos Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Mission Mortuary. The family wishes to express in advance their heartfelt thanks for all expressions of sympathy. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory can be made to: St. Anthony Church Project Makawao, or St. Anthony Church Outreach Program (in care of the family); San Carlos Cathedral Restoration Project; American Cancer Society; or to a charity of your choice.