Mary Ann Caratti

Surrounded by love, Mary Ann Caratti passed away peacefully on December 26, 2021. She was blessed to have just spent quality time with her family and several close friends. In her many notes to her children, Mary Ann wrote that she wanted to be remembered as loving her family so very much, cherishing her friends and neighbors, and looking forward to eternity with God in Heaven. 

Mary Ann was born in Chicago on July 3, 1935 to Maria (Mary) and Nicola (Nick) Fiore. With her family, she moved to Fargo, North Dakota and then to Bloomington, Illinois where she attended Trinity High School. She attained a degree in Education from Illinois Normal University (today Illinois State). She taught first grade in Decatur, Illinois before escaping the cold and moving with friends to Long Beach, CA. She loved the warm climate and ocean living in Southern California. She continued to love teaching 1st graders, and she and her roommates enjoyed beach parties, going to the movies, and finding adventure. She met the love of her life, John F. Caratti, at The Anchorage - a young people’s gathering spot in Long Beach. After his discharge from the U.S. Navy, Mary Ann and John moved their young family to Modesto in 1971.

Mary Ann ensured the Caratti home in Modesto was full of unconditional support, encouragement, and love. Mary Ann was the neighborhood mom, never missing a  carpool, helping with anyone’s homework, and keeping stomachs satisfied. Her children’s friends grew to become her friends. She kept every letter, card, and Christmas photo ever sent to her. Her closet shelves are full of newspaper clippings, remembrances, and snapshots of those she held dear. She truly cherished each one of you.

During their empty nest years, Mary Ann and John enjoyed traveling with extended family. They especially loved spirited road trips to Las Vegas and traveling by train and cruise ship. They also loved to take weekend drives to Jamestown, Sonora, Knights Ferry and to visit our nation’s national parks.

Mary Ann was a loving and active presence in the lives of her four grandchildren.  With the birth of her first grandchild, she became our beloved Nonna. She never missed a birthday, holiday, Special Someone Day, sport season, or school play.  She read books, played board games, chatted for hours, and was famous for writing notes delivered in the mail. She drove to the Bay Area in her Buick station wagon for every single event until the age of 80 when her daughter thought to start picking her up!

In Modesto, Mary Ann was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, The Catholic Social Services Guild, Modesto Republican Women Federated, Red Hattitude, Modesto Garden Club, and a volunteer at the McHenry Mansion. 

She was predeceased by her husband, John F. Caratti. She is survived by her children, John F. Caratti, Jr. (Mary) and Ann Marie Olson (Bob), and four grandchildren: Cailyn, Meghan and Jack Olson and Joy Deos. She is also survived by her brother, Andrew Fiore.

A visitation will be held on Monday, January 24th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 5:00 p.m. at Franklin & Downs Funeral Home, 1050 McHenry Ave., in Modesto. The vigil is available to live-stream here: Mary Ann Caratti Vigil Livestream 
The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Tuesday, January 25th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1813 Oakdale Rd., in Modesto. The mass is available to live-stream here: Mary Ann Caratti Memorial Mass
Mary Ann will be buried with John, in a private committal, in the family plot at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Livermore.

A Celebration of Mary Ann’s life will be held early this Summer, near her birthday.

The family would like to thank everyone who offered their love, prayers, and support throughout her life. She was truly blessed to have so many helping to keep her happy and healthy in her home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Ann Caratti's name may be directed to Catholic Charities Homemaker Program, 1506 H St, Modesto, CA 95354, or to a charity of your choice.