Marian Francis Allegri

Marian Allegri, age 98 ½ years, passed away on Saturday July 3rd, 2010. She died of heart failure at her Santa Cruz home while under the care and support from Hospice and ComforCare staff. Marian was born on November 14, 1911 in Pisa, Italy. In 1912 she immigrated to America with her family through Ellis Island, New York and traveled by train to San Jose, California. Her parents, Amerigo and Magenta Tognetti, lived in San Jose and the Santa Cruz Mountains for many years and raised 5 children: Fred, Dino, Marian, Dina, and Anso. They endured difficult times, including the Great Depression, but Marian cherished the memories of her upbringing, like stomping grapes to make wine for their cellar barrels. Marian attended local schools in San Jose including San Jose State for several classes. Her college experience was a noteworthy accomplishment, cut short by the need to help to support her family by working. Marian took on several different jobs, and eventually her wandering spirit led to work in Lake Tahoe and Yosemite (where she fondly recalled enjoying times with a then unknown photographer, Ansel Adams, and his wife, Virginia). Her passion for traveling also emerged, resulting in a series of lifetime adventures that included trips with friends or family members across the U.S., to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska. While visiting her sister, Dina, in Santa Cruz, Marian met her future husband, Joe Allegri. The couple married in June 1946 and their honeymoon consisted of a 6-month adventure in Juneau, Alaska with Marian working at a local beauty salon and Joe at a sawmill. Upon return to Santa Cruz, they built a family home where they raised two children: Don Allegri and Joanne Beuse. Joe worked as a firefighter for the City of Santa Cruz until 1969 and Marian took on home making duties, while mixing in occasional travels. Marian developed a range of interests over the years, including writing, creative styling of bonsai trees, interior decorating, and gardening. When Joe died in 1990, Marian connected with Richard Rampone, who became her companion for many years. In her last several years, Marian greatly enjoyed reading biographies, writing recollections about her life and a range of topics like healthy living and politics. She often referred to herself as the family historian. In addition, she enjoyed conveying her thoughts about issues to the Sentinel. What most distinguished Marian was her inner strength and positive outlook and desire to appear well dressed (including a range of hats) and groomed. She always had a purpose for the day and stressed the importance of looking forward and not staying stuck on regrets of the past. Marian was a long time member of Holy Cross Church, ICF and participated in PERS events. Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, her parents, and siblings. She is survived by a daughter, Joanne, a son and daughter-in-law, Don and Lynne Allegri, and her grandsons: Thomas Beuse, Joseph and Justin Allegri. In addition, she is survived by her loyal and devoted friend, Richard Rampone. She leaves behind many nephews and nieces in the Scoppettone, Butcher, Allegri, and Tognetti families. She also leaves behind her dog, Willy. Funeral services are planned for Friday, July 9 at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Mausoleum Chapel 2271 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. A vigil service will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA Thursday at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Holy Cross Church 126 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, Hospice of Santa Cruz, 940 Disc Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 or Jesus, Mary and Joseph House, 132 Lennox St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to share your thoughts and condolences with the family and sign the online guest registry.