Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Carolyn Cugia, 93, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2017, surrounded by her family.

Carolyn was born August 20, 1924, in Merced, CA, the youngest daughter of Carlo and Annunziata (Garfagnoli) Stefani. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Marlia, Italy, and settled on a 20-acre farm in Merced. Carolyn attended Franklin Grammar School and Merced High School, graduating in 1943.

She moved to San Francisco in her twenties and lived in the North Beach neighborhood before meeting Mario Cugia. They married on May 23, 1959, and became each other’s “Amore” and “Tesoro” for 31 years. They moved to the Portola district in San Francisco, where their home on Bacon Street was always open for family and friends to enjoy a delicious meal and a bottle (or two) of wine. After Mario’s death, she moved to Concord to be closer to her family.

She was employed at the Atwater Water District prior to moving to San Francisco, then worked at Hartford Insurance before starting her family. But she found her true calling as the secretary at St. Elizabeth’s Grammar School in San Francisco, where she worked for many years and was a delightful mother figure and confidante to the children.

Carolyn was proud of her Italian Heritage and a wonderful cook, who continued the many Italian traditions she learned as a young girl. She loved hosting family dinners. She was gracious, warm, and guests felt welcome, at home and assured of an enjoyable and entertaining time.

She had a strong faith in God and throughout her life was involved in the Catholic Church at Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Elizabeth’s and St. Francis of Assisi parishes. She was a long-time member of the Italian Catholic Federation, where she and Mario made many life-long friends.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and siblings: Joe Stefani, Angelo “Shorty” Stefani, Mary Albina “Bee” Lucich and two brothers who died in infancy. She is survived by her only son John (Diane) and her two cherished grandchildren, Marco and Patricia; plus many cousins, loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, in the United States and Italy.

We will always remember Carolyn’s engaging stories and jokes, her infectious laugh, her kindness and willingness to help others. She will be missed greatly, but remain forever in our hearts.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Rosary at 10:30 AM on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2017 and a Funeral Liturgy at 11:00 AM at St. Bonaventure Church, 5562 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA

The family would like to thank the staff at Oakmont of Montecito in Concord for the care given to Carolyn. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

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