Mary’s Obituary
Maria (Mary) Josephine Orrino was born in Cantolupo nel Sannio, Italy to Guerino and Carmina Martelli on June 1, 1935 and died peacefully on January 28, 2022. Mary was one of five children.
Mary is survived by her loving husband Louis of 68 years, their children; Chris (Tom) Hoover, James (Annette) Orrino, and Pat (Karen) Orrino; six grandchildren, Louie (Missy) Orrino, Lacie (Kyle) Harris, Garrett, Olivia, Connor, and Elliott. Her sisters; Gilda (Phillip deceased) Vendetti, Whitestone, NY, Delia (Carmine) Gianfracesco, Flushing, NY, Rita (Mike) Martelli, Jericho, NY, sisters-in-law; Marie (brother Peter deceased) Martelli, Jericho, NY, Millie (Roger deceased) Howells, Nanticoke, PA and Fran (Ed) Campochiaro, Lady Lake, FL. Mary is also survived by nieces and nephews; Elderina, Lina, Anna, Annette, Dolores, Anthony, Peter, Gary, Paul, Peter, Lisa, Juliette, and Ben.
Mary came to the U.S. when she was 18 years old with her 16-year-old cousin Carmella Martelli in 1953 to meet her husband-to-be which was an arranged marriage. Louis, his mother Christina, and brother Tony met Mary in NY then traveled to Anaconda, Montana. They were married 3 months later on November 29, 1953. The first English words she learned were “I do”. They lived happily and raised their family in Anaconda. After residing 65 years in Anaconda, they moved to Tacoma due to health issues and to be close to their children and grandchildren.
Mary started to study the Bible with her Aunt Antonetta Orrino who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This is how she learned to read English. Mary was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 9, 1956 and was a very active member. She learned God’s name was Jehovah and that He has so many beautiful promises for our future. These Bible truths made her very happy and she wanted to share them with everyone. She looked forward to the time when there would be no more pain or suffering or even death. Another teaching from the Bible that was close to her heart was the promise of seeing our dead loved ones in paradise on earth.
Mary was known for telling it like it is—even if it stung a bit. She did have a way of making sure you knew what she was talking about. However, when she loved you, she loved you with her whole heart. Mom was extremely serious about her vegetable garden in the backyard. Cooking was her passion, especially cavatelli, braciole, and her hand tossed green salad/dressing that to this day none of us can re-create. She was incredibly talented at baking bread and knitting, however spending time with family was what made her truly happy.
Special thanks to the caregivers at Franke Tobey Jones for keeping Mom content and comfortable especially through this pandemic.
We will hug you soon, Mom, and we can’t wait.
A Zoom Memorial will be held at a later date.