In Memory –
Maria Aversa of Mill Valley, California, a member of the Outdoor Art Club since 1984, died unexpectedly on December 25, 2023. Maria was born on May 21, 1932, the loving daughter of Costantino and Edvige Aiello. She grew up in Sorrento, Italy, and lived there through the Second World War. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Salvatore Aversa. Newlyweds, Sal and Maria immigrated to America, with a visa to work for the French Consulate’s residence in Sausalito. It was there where she learned how to cook French and European cuisine. On Mothers’ Day 1964, Sal and Maria opened La Ginestra, an Italian restaurant in Mill Valley. Sal passed away in 1983, and for the past forty years, Maria has run La Ginestra together with her three children. Maria is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lucia and Ralph Della Santina of Corte Madera; her son and daughter-in-law, Fabio and Ann Aversa of Mill Valley; her son and daughter-in-law, Costantino (“Tino”) and Marisa Aversa of Corte Madera; and her grandchildren, Joseph Della Santina, Paolo Della Santina, Gabriella Aversa, Salvatore Aversa and his wife, Tennessee Aversa. We remember with gratitude all the kindness from her friends and family throughout the United States and Italy. We also express gratitude for her colleagues and the patrons of La Ginestra. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, January 6, at 2 pm at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Mill Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice, or to St. Vincent de Paul c/o Mt. Carmel Church, 3 Oakdale Avenue, Mill Valley, California 94941.