Carmela Teresa Maraia's Obituary
Carmela T. Maraia (Millie to many)
Mom was born on June 28th, 1932, to Anthony and Rose Spinazzola in Harlem N.Y. She was raised in N.Y. with her sister Teresa and her two brothers Mike and Dan. The family moved to Rye N.Y. where Mom went to Catholic School. In 1939 the family moved to Harrison N.Y. until 1943 when they moved to Spring Valley, CA.
She went to San Diego Highschool then on to Grossmont Highschool until she graduated in 1949 at the age of 16. Her parents had opened a small grocery store in Spring Valley where she worked until she was 18, then she accepted a job with SDG&E as a cashier. She worked her way into the billing department. When SDG&E moved billing to computers, she was promoted to head of the data processing department.
In 1960 Mom went with her parents on vacation to Italy where she met the love of her life. They married in Italy before she returned home and were married again at Santa Sophia Catholic Church in Spring Valley, CA. When Mom became pregnant with their first child she retired from SDG&E. She was a homemaker to their 3 sons until the boys went to school at which time, she volunteered with the school district until the boys went to high school.
In 1976 Mom and Dad bought La Mesa Importing, an Italian Deli in La Mesa, CA. The business prospered until they sold it in 1982. After the business was sold, Mom spent two years attending classes at Grossmont College until her mother needed her as a care giver. Her mother Rose passed away in 1997.
Mom went on too many volunteer activities. She was an honored member of the La Mesa Woman’s club, and she volunteered at Father Joe’s Village, Saint Vincent de Paul and spent 15 years at Santa Sophia with her many friends that also volunteered at the church.
During the last couple years Mom’s physical health had begun to suffer and it was difficult to watch as her mental awareness was sharp as ever. She spoke often of wanting to be with Dad as she missed him dearly.
Millie is survived by her three children, John, Tony (and wife Cheryl), Jerry (and wife Laura); five grandchildren (Steven (wife Kim), Michael, Alyssa (husband Austin), Matthew, and Vinnie), and her 5 great-grandchildren (Attley, Kenzie, Hayden, Olivia, and Chase); brother Danny (and wife Barbie)
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