Maria De Ferraris, 91, a resident of Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at McCrite Plaza in Briarcliff in Kansas City, MO. She was born September 8, 1929 to Giovanni and Anna (Rabar) Flegar in Trieste, Italy.
Maria met Pompilio De Ferraris in Melbourne, Australia and was united in marriage on May 3, 1958. Pompilio and Maria came to the United States in 1967. She was a housewife and enjoyed raising her boys. While living Warren, MI she was a parishioner of St. Clement Church, and actively participated with the choir at the church and for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Maria and Pompilio retired in 1995 and moved to Arizona. In 2015 Maria moved to Kansas City, MO, where she was a parishioner of St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, MO. Maria was also an active participant at McCrite Plaza. She was a forceful leader for her family. Maria was trilingual, speaking Italian, English, and Croatian. She enjoyed singing, reading and crocheting.
Survivors include her son, Daniel De Ferraris and his wife Rose of Kansas City, MO; brother, Elia Flegar and his wife Edina of Trieste, Italy; grandchildren, Nicholas, Olivia, Victoria, and Noah De Ferraris. Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Pompilio De Ferraris; son, David De Ferraris; parents, Giovanni and Anna Flegar.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2020 at St. James Catholic Church, 309 S. Stewart Rd, Liberty, MO, with Rev. Michael Roach presiding. Her family will receive friends and family from 9-10:00 a.m. prior to mass at the church. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Kansas City Hospice. Burial will take place in Mesa, AZ at a later time. The mass will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/StJamesLibertyMO. All CODID-19 guidelines will be enforced at the church. Memories of Maria and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyesfuneralchapel.com.
I’ve known Maria since she moved to Warren, MI. I babysat for David and Dan when they were boys. Maria and I developed a lifelong friendship. My fondest memories are all the times I went to her for loving advice. She always asked if I wanted “Italian coffee” (espresso). I’ll never forget her. I’ll miss her but she is in Heaven playing scrabble with my mom.
My husband and I met Maria at All Saints Catholic Church in Mesa, AZ. We used to sit right in front of her during mass. Through the years we would here all about her family, especially her grandchildren who brought a light to her eyes every time she spoke of them. We have two girls, ages 14 and 11. Maria immediately became more than a friend to us as every week in church she would hold our baby girls and sing to them. She watched them grow up and encouraged both of them to sing in the church choir, which they are still a part of to this day. My fondest memories of Maria were hearing her sing joyfully at church, having her tell me stories about her marriage while giving me advice to a long and happy one, and her passionate love of the Lord. Our hearts go out to Dan, Rose, and kids. With God’s grace, may her memories bring you peace.
Dan and Family,
Irene called to share the sad news of your Mom’s passing. You selected the perfect pictures of her for this obituary. This is the smile I remember so well, and I can honestly hear her laugh which was truly contagious. She was filled with energy and passion, and she loved her family and her dearest friends unconditionally. The loss of a parent is so difficult, as you know already, and there are few words I can offer to give you comfort. Let me share two thoughts. In 30 years working in Center Line Schools I met and worked with every kind of parent. I don’t need to tell you that you were blessed with two of the best. And secondly, I know from the loss of my own amazing parents, that they are never truly far away. When you are still, you will hear her laugh, you will feel her presence and her love, and you will have enough memories to warm your heart for all your days. God bless you and all who mourn her passing – she was a good woman. Sincerely, Lynda Bonucchi
Heaven has received an Angel, while my heart weeps, I know I will see her again! She has made a lasting, loving impression on us all. Peace be with her Beautiful Family.
Highest Regards,
Linda King Shields
Her Driver