Mary Anselmi Ravarino

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Mary Anselmi Ravarino

Sept. 8, 1924 ~ Oct. 24, 2017

Mary Anselmi Ravarino, 93, died at home on Oct., 24, 2017, surrounded by family.

Mary was born on Sept., 8, 1924 in Reliance, Wyo. to the “best parents,” Felix and Maria Anselmi, who emigrated from the Dolomite Mountains of Italy.  She married the love of her life, Frank Daniel Ravarino, on Aug. 20, 1949. Frank and Mary were blessed with three children, Frank (Michelle), Maria (Robert) and Annette; and four grandchildren, Sean and Morgan McKenna, Nicholas Smoldon and Alex Ravarino. She called them her “jewels.”   

As a young child, Mary moved from Wyoming to West Weber, Utah. She graduated from Weber High School and then from the University of Utah with a degree in education. She began many fulfilling years teaching elementary school. She taught at Wasatch Elementary, where she met her lifelong friend, Dorothy Webster. She also taught at Arlington, Bonneville, Rose Park, Whittier and the Shriner’s Hospital School.

Mary also was a Girl Scout leader and Den Mother. She was president of the U’s Chapter of Childhood Education and served on many boards over the years. She was involved in Utah Nature Study Society, Utah Girls Village, Utah Opera Board, Neighborhood Garden Club, Utah State Garden Club and the Wheeler Farm Board, Westminster Board, PEO, and Assistance League.    

Mary was the recipient of the AAUW Distinguished Woman of the Year Award in March of 2010.  

She served as chairperson of the Carmelite Fair, was co-founder of the Trentini Italians of Utah, and president of the Salt Lake District Council of Catholic Women.   

She was a devoted Catholic, and her Italian roots and devotion earned her the coveted Cavaliere Award from Italy in 1994.

Mary loved life and enjoyed traveling the world. Above all, her family brought her the most joy in her life and she was so very proud of them.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Maria; her beloved husband, Frank; her cherished brother, Leno Anselmi; sisters-in-law Dora Anselmi, Theresa Ravarino and Joyce Ravarino; and her brother-in-law Angelo Ravarino.

She is survived by the luckiest children and grandchildren, her dearest friend Elma Uzelac and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.   

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 28 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Online condolences may be offered and tribute video slideshow may be viewed at www.starksfuneral.com.