Marianna Amato

Marianna Pauline Amato, 91, of Ridgefield, and a former resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

She was born in Stamford on April 28, 1932 to the late Joseph and Theresa (Umile) Ferrero. Marianna was an accomplished dancer on roller skates and graduated from Stamford High School in 1950. She also played softball for the Rose Buds and was fondly known as one of their “outstanding players.” Shortly upon her graduation, Marianna was engaged to her high school sweetheart, Louis, and they married in 1951. Marianna attended modeling school at Grace Downs Models, Inc. in New York City and was called for her first assignment when she found out she was pregnant with her first daughter, Nancy. Her second daughter, MaryLou, was born two years later, completing their family of four. She enjoyed living in Stamford surrounded by her extended family before moving to Ridgefield in 1964.

Marianna was a bank teller at Union Trust Bank where she worked for 26 years before retiring in 1994 to become a full time grandmother.

Her real joy in life was spending time with her family especially her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up and she would attend every sporting and school event that she was able. Her grandsons affectionately called her “Mema,” which was her favorite name to answer to. Her grandchildren fondly remember trips with her to Marcus Dairy for milkshakes and banana splits, spending holidays with her and her delicious baking including butterfly cookies, cheesecake, struffoli and her famous stuffed artichokes. She passed on her love of knitting, playing the piano and feeding a crowd to her daughters and grandchildren. She would light up when holding a baby, snuggling a beloved family pet or getting an unexpected visit from a grandchild.

Marianna enjoyed dining out, visiting the casino and playing cards, especially rummy cube. She had a knack for making everyone feel welcome and part of the family. She loved to drink “orangeade,” fry up a zucchini flower, and spoil her grandchildren.

Marianna overcame many obstacles and health challenges in her life and she was an inspiration to the end.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to Candlewood Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center for their exceptional and loving care of Marianna over the last few months. They also would like to extend their appreciation to RVNAhealth for their kindness and contribution to her comfort.

Marianna was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband of 28 years Louis Albert Amato and her brother and sister in law, Louis and Marion Ferrero.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Nancy Valine and her husband Rick of Warren, CT, and MaryLou Volpe and her husband Richard of Sturbridge, MA; her grandchildren: Jessica Baker and her husband Christian, David Valine, Christopher Valine and Amanda Volpe; her two great grandchildren, Norah Baker and Jack Baker and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Mary of Stamford Parish 566 Elm Street Stamford at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 29, 2023. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Darien. There will be no calling hours.

To leave condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.