Marie Ann Asaro

Marie Asaro (Genna), 95, passed away peacefully after a long and full life defined by devotion to family and tradition.

Marie was born on February 5, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Petrina and Nicholas Genna, who had emigrated from Sicily in search of opportunity and a new beginning in America. She lost her father, Nicholas, when she was just a year old and was raised by her mother, Petrina, alongside her sister, Ann Puccio. From an early age, Marie learned resilience, sacrifice, and the strength of family bonds — values that would shape the way she lived her entire life.

On April 20, 1952, she married the love of her life, Leo Asaro. Together they built a marriage that endured nearly 67 years, until Leo’s passing in March 2019. Their partnership was rooted in loyalty, shared purpose, and deep commitment to one another and to the family they created.

Marie and Leo raised three daughters: Maria Basdakis, Trina Asaro, and Joanne Alesi. Through them, Marie’s legacy expanded into a large and loving family that remained the center of her world.

She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Marie Basdakis Barrett, Steve Basdakis, and Nick Basdakis; Dion Steenis and Stephanie Feliberty; and Crystal Pauley and Francesca Oliver. Nothing brought her greater joy than watching her family grow.

Marie was also blessed with many great-grandchildren, including Andrew Barrett, Nicholas Barrett, Patrick Basdakis, Ellie Basdakis, Everlee Basdakis, River Steenis, Hawk Steenis, Evelynn Feliberty, Leo Feliberty, Cheyanne Oliver, and Cassidy Oliver. Reaching her 95th birthday allowed her the rare gift of seeing multiple generations flourish — a living testament to the life she and Leo began together in 1952.

Marie’s life reflected the traditions of her Sicilian heritage: a deep love of family, reverence for elders, pride in her home, and the belief that meals, milestones, and memories were meant to be shared.

Her legacy is not measured only in years lived, but in the generations she nurtured, the traditions she preserved, and the family she had.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 24 at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 1668 State Street, San Diego, California 92101. Rosary will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Mass at 9:30 a.m. Marie’s final resting place will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, California 92102. A reception will follow the burial services.

She will be remembered always as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and as the matriarch whose life spanned nearly a century of history while remaining firmly rooted in family.