Marianna Guerra

Marianna Guerra (née D ‘Aragona), a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, peacefully departed this life on Feb 25, 2025, at the VNA Hospice in Vero Beach, FL.

Marianna was born to Pietro D ‘Aragona, a city official, and his wife Maria (née Pavan) on July 21, 1938, in Salerno, Italy. As a young child during World War II, she and her family were forced to flee her native city, surviving in the northern town of Caldiero, a community in the Province of Verona, where the Pavan family resided. After the war, she returned to Salerno and worked at the family seaside rental business. On August 6, 1958, she married Clelio Guerra in Salerno and celebrated her wedding in Altavilla Silentina, Italy. Marianna’s family became refugees as a result of a hurricane that destroyed the family business. Through the generosity of Catholic Charities, they were able to relocate to the United States. Settling in Bronx, New York, later she would move with her growing family to Mt. Vernon, Ardsley and Mahopac. Marianna and Clelio became naturalized citizens in 1969. Since her first language was Italian, she learned to read English with her children as they went through elementary school; she developed a passion for reading, and her favorite genre was historical fiction.

As a driven businesswoman, she started as a seamstress in the garment district of New York City before opening her own interior decorating business in Bronx, NY – Maryanne Decorators. She ran the business for over 40 years, serving builders, designers and decorators outfitting residential and commercial properties throughout the metropolitan area with window treatments and related furnishings. In 2004, she and her husband retired to Boca Raton and subsequently to Vero Beach in 2007.

Marianna (called Anna or Zia Anna by her family) cared deeply for her family and the traditions of her native Italy. She shared her advanced culinary skills with family, friends and anyone who was fortunate enough to be a guest in her home. She shared her passion for cooking with her children, culminating in incredible Sunday dinners and holiday meals. A favorite of all was her Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Marianna liked the beach, and the family would all gather to swim, fish and eat during the summer months.

Marianna’s faith in Christ and the Catholic church was resolute throughout her life. She guided her children through the sacraments and enjoyed being a faithful communicant at St John of the Cross in Vero Beach. Her faith was exemplified in her generosity and how she cared for and served others. We are all the beneficial recipients of her faith.

Family was always the central focus of her life. She had a loving relationship with her siblings, children and a special relationship with each of her 15 grandchildren; each would receive at least one of the beautiful Afghans she enjoyed knitting. To be addressed as ‘Bellezza’ was a prize all sought. She was always willing to make a dress, costume or specialty food for an event, which always resulted in the query of outsiders – “Where can I buy that? Only to be told, “You can’t”; this is just an example of a special person’s love.

Marianna was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Clelio Guerra.

The family’s loss is shared by all of Marianna’s children, their spouses, and relatives:

Christine Guerra Richard and Marc J. Richard of Vero Beach, FL,

Adrienne Guerra Dell and Douglas Dell of Jacksonville Beach, FL,

Arthur Guerra of Vero Beach, FL,

Daniel Guerra of Atlanta, GA

Richard Guerra and Valerie Savoie Guerra of Vero Beach, FL,

Her Grandchildren:

Laura Richard, Amanda Richard, Carolyn Richard, Christopher Dell and Mary Beth Summerall Dell, Emily Dell Tarquini and Massimo Tarquini, Andrew Dell, Arthur V. Guerra, Megan Guerra, Ava Guerra, Milan Guerra, Siena Guerra, Thomas Guerra, Jacob Guerra, Gabby Guerra and Marley Guerra

Great Grandchildren:

George Dell, Vivienne Dell and Sophie Dell

Her siblings and their spouses:

Narciso D ‘Aragona and Lilliana of Saugerties, NY. Carlo D ’Aragona and Tina of Vero Beach, FL.

Marianna was predeceased by her sisters Nancy D ‘Aragona of Salerno, Italy, and Elvira D’Urso of Terryville, CT.

Viewing and Funeral Arrangements for Marianna Guerra:

Thursday, March 6th, 4 to 6 pm at the Thomas S Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Friday, March 7th, the funeral will be celebrated at St John of the Cross Catholic Church, 7550 26th St, Vero Beach, FL. The funeral mass will be at 10 am.

The burial service will follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL, at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marianna’s memory to St John of the Cross Catholic Church, 7590 26th St, Vero Beach, FL 32966, or VNA Hospice House, 920 37th Place, Ste 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.