Marianna Pacienza

Marianna Pacienza, 88, of Woodbridge, Virginia died peacefully December 9, 2022 in the comfort of her home with family. Marianna was born May 5, 1934 in the small town of Saracena, Italy. At the age of 16, traveling by plane, Marianna came to America. After a long flight, she eventually arrived in New York. This special day was Valentine’s Day, 1950. Immaculately dressed and wearing the fur coat her father had sent to her Marianna exited the plane like a movie star. She was greeted by an entourage of family and friends already living in the United States. Once in New York, Marianna and her father resided in the Bronx, with her father’s sister’s family. Wasting no time, she continued her love for learning battling through her initial challenge with English as a second language. She pursued her education both in the U.S. and Italy, ultimately earning a degree in Modern and Classical Languages. While in pursuit of her love for education back in Italy, Marianna met and married the other love of her life, Michael Pacienza. Eventually they would move back to the U.S. where they both became professional educators, teaching in New York and later Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon retiring from teaching, Marianna and Michael moved to Virginia to be with their daughter and grandchildren. Once in Virginia, Marianna became an active member of the All Saints’ Anglican Church located in Woodbridge, where she especially enjoyed sharing her affection for knitting, crocheting, and actively participating in the annual youth summer program. She also enjoyed having lunch and mingling with friends. Marianna kept busy during her leisure time by going to the fitness center, where she liked to exercise in the swimming pool. Being multilingual there was no stopping her; she was always looking for opportunities to share her affection for languages through tutoring. Marianna loved classical music; so much that she learned to play the acoustic guitar and piano. Marianna led a simple life and wanted a simple service. In honor of Marianna, the family has incorporated special heartfelt mementos of Marianna as mom and grandma as seen in the eyes of her daughter and grandchildren. Marianna was preceded in death by Rosina Rizzo (mother), Lorenzo DiPace (father), and Michael Pacienza (late husband). She is survived by her daughter Lisa and grandchildren Jasmine, Mary-Kate, and Shaun. Join us as we celebrate Marianna’s beautiful life. Memorial services are scheduled for 11:00 am Monday, December 19, 2022 at the Miller Funeral Home located on Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192. Visitation is set for family and friends prior to the memorial services. Interment will follow at Stonewall Memory Gardens. https://www.facebook.com/miller.f.home

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Marianna Pacienza

December 9, 2022