Beloved Mother, Wife and Sister

Passed away on January 1, 2025 at the age of 86. Born to Gabriele and Francesca Mastroianni on September 26, 1938 in Moccone (Comune di Spezzano), Calabria, Italy. Raised in Rogliano, Italy with her seven brothers and sisters, She graduated from the University of Cosenza with a degree in teaching. She married her husband, Fernando Garofalo, in Rogliano in 1963. Making their home in St. Paul, MN, they raised four children in the East Side of St. Paul.

She continued many Italian traditions through the years, baking bread, cooking Italian dishes and baking treasured Natale and Pasqua specialties. She was dearly loved and will be missed. Maria was predeceased by her loving husband, Fernando; her granddaughter, Emma Dingman; her parents Gabriele and Francesca; her brother Antonio Mastroianni; her sister Annina Mastroianni; and her brother Ricardo Mastroianni.

She is survived by her children, Stan Garofalo, Tonia (John) Roemer, Lori (Roger) Dingman, Dan (Leslie) Garofalo. Proud nonna of 11 grand children: Austin, Alissa, Brandon, Justin, Isabella, and Dominic; Travis, Abby and Megan; Hannah and Lamar.

She will be dearly missed by her extended family in Italy including her surviving brothers Carlo and Otavio and her sisters Giuseppina and Lina and many nieces and nephews.

Catholic Mass will be held at St. John Neumann in Eagan at 10am on Tuesday January 7, 2025. Visitation will precede Mass at 9am. Luncheon will be served after Mass at St. John Neumann. Interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Maria’s name.

White Funeral Home 952-432-2001 www.whitefuneralhomes.com