The oldest of her parents' three children, Maria (nee Zuccaro) Graziano was born in Termini Imerese, Sicily to Agostino and Vincenza (nee Battaglia) Zuccaro. Maria had younger, twin brothers.

Maria married Giovanni "John" Graziano in a Catholic ceremony on December 9, 1909, in Termini Imerese, Sicily, Italy. They sailed to North America, from the Port of Palermo, on the ship Saxonia on January 10, 1910; their destination was Toronto, Ontario, Canada. John and Maria each had $50 in their possession. They entered the U.S. through Ellis Island in the port of New York on January 26, 1910. From there, they traveled by train (probably via Detroit, MI) to Toronto, Ontario, Canada to stay with John's older sister, Agatha and her husband, Pietro (Peter) LaMantia, who were already living in Toronto. The three eldest of Maria and John's 10 children -- Vincenzo, Margaret, and Vincenza (Jenny) -- were born in Toronto.

Maria and John moved from Toronto to Portland, Oregon, USA in 1914 so John could be closer to two brothers (Tony and Gus) and another sister (Rose Teresi) who had all settled there some time before. Sadly, baby Vincenza (Jenny) died during the several-day train trip, en route to Portland. Children James and August were born in Portland.

The family left Portland and moved to Minneapolis, MN in 1918 because Maria wanted to be closer to her parents and brother, Tony. Children John, Anthony, Jennie, Richard, and another daughter (still living), were all born in Minneapolis.

Maria was a housewife and mother of 10 children (three of whom sadly died as babies). All five of their sons who lived to adulthood proudly served in the U.S. Armed Forces. She's a grandmother of 12, and she leaves behind a legacy of many great- and great-great grandchildren.

Maria's brother, Anthony Zuccaro, and her parents, Agostino and Vincenza Zuccaro, are also buried at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery (Agostino in section 28 and Vincenza in section 19). Daughters Jennie Josephine Graziano and Margaret Marie (nee Graziano) Hecker (and son-in-law Harold Hecker) are also buried in Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery. May you rest in heavenly peace, Maria.

Warm thanks to AustralianWildflower for honoring Maria by sponsoring her Find a Grave memorial. Your random act of kindness and generosity are appreciated. ❤

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