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In memory of

Mary Argentina Marconi-Fontana

Modesto, CA

May 26, 1924 - November 8, 2019

May 26, 1924 - Nov 8, 2019

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Mary Fontana passed away peacefully on November 8th, 2019, at The Stratford at Beyer Park assisted living facility in Modesto, California, after a brief decline in health. She was born on May 26, 1924 to Adele Malatesta Marconi and Theodoro Marconi in McCloud, California. She was the youngest child, joining her brother Gino, sister Olivia, and brother Joseph. In 1927 the family moved to Mount Shasta, California. The family made their home there owning several grocery stores in the area. Mary completed her schooling and was a key helper in her father’s business when her brothers served in the war. She married Jack “Ernest” Fontana in 1946, after he returned from the war in December 1945. They lived briefly in Mount Shasta before moving to Pittsburg. In 1954 they moved to Big Break Harbor in Oakley, and in 1960 they moved to Antioch, where Ernie and Christine grew up. Mary and Ernie were able to enjoy an early retirement until his death in 1993. She moved to Modesto, California in 1994, after his passing to be near her daughter and family and lived there for the rest of her life. She is survived by her son, Ernest Fontana (Sharon), and daughter, Christine Cook (Ron). Grandchildren Janelle Crain (Jeff), Amy DeBruyn (Jamie), Matthew Cook, Alison Kallstrom, (Jeff), Santino Fontana, (Jessica) and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Joseph, and her husband Ernie.

Mary’s most important priority was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. She was famous for her cooking and she was a wonderful hostess.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at the Holy Cross Cemetery and Funeral Center in Antioch on Monday, November 25 at 11:00 AM with a luncheon to follow at the Lone Tree Golf Course Center at 12:30 PM.

We want to thank the caregivers and staff at The Stratford at Beyer Park and Optimal Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary can be made to the Optimal Hospice Foundation, 1101 Sylvan Avenue # B-10, Modesto, California 95350.

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