Obituary of Stella Marie DiMaggio

Lifelong Monterey resident, Stella DiMaggio, died peacefully on December 5th, 2017, at the age of 96, after a long illness. Stella was born to Salvatore and Marietta Russo who settled in Monterey in 1908. Her father was one of the first pioneers of the sardine industry in Monterey. As a teenager Stella worked in the canneries on Cannery Row. She married Vince DiMaggio at the age of 17, and raised 4 children in addition to being a foster parent for several years. In 1965 she began working in food service for several schools, and worked at Monterey High School for 15 years where she retired in 1983. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She was known for her hospitality, good cooking and baking, all were welcome in her home. She loved to laugh and found humor in many things, and she especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. Stella and her husband Vince, enjoyed occasional trips to Reno and Lake Tahoe. After her husband passed away in 1992, she enjoyed traveling to places such as Canada, Hawaii, Eastern U.S., Spain, Portugal and Italy. She was a long time parishioner of St. Angela's Church, a member of the Italian Catholic Federation, and a volunteer at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula for several years. She is survived by her sons; Sal DiMaggio of Monterey, Jim DiMaggio (Cheryl) of Marina, daughter; Marianne DiMaggio of Monterey, grandsons; Vince DiMaggio (Jessica) , Chris DiMaggio, granddaughters; Tara Hayes (Patrick Giambalvo) and Lauren DiMaggio, daughter-in-law, Patricia DiMaggio (Vincent DiMaggio), sister Fay Marcuzzo, foster daughter Laura Brisby, 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 53 years Vincent DiMaggio, son Vincent DiMaggio, brother Shedo "Buck" Russo, sisters; Katie Marchon, Marion Davi, Virginia Martinez, Josephine Lentini and Rose Seeno. The family expresses gratitude to the staff at Carmelo Park Assisted Living and Lucy Throne, who all helped to make her later years more pleasant and enjoyable. A visitation will be from 3-6pm on Wednesday, December 20th, at Mission Mortuary in Monterey, followed by a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11am on Thursday, December 21st at St. Angela Merici Church in Pacific Grove, followed by a Graveside Service at San Carlos Cemetery in Monterey. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to the donors own favorite charity.