Beatrice "Maria" (Aversa) Agostino

August 7, 1938 - May 23, 2022 - Beatrice “Maria” Agostino, 83, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at 8:35 a.m. at The Pendle Home surrounded by her loving family. Maria was born on August 7, 1938 in Gerace, Reggio Calabria, Italy to Giovanni and C. Caterina Aversa. On July 12, 1956,  in Gerace, Reggio Calabria, Italy, as Beatrice Maria Aversa, she married the absolute love of her life Francesco “Frank” Agostino. Together they came to America, and settled in South Bend, Indiana, where they would begin their family in 1956. Shortly after, Frank and Maria sponsored Maria’s parents and brother in becoming United States citizens. While her husband worked many jobs and long hours, Maria was home raising six beautiful children, teaching them many life lessons that continue to be passed on. Maria had a love for dancing, especially with her husband Frank. She had many hobbies including cooking, gardening, raising animals, crocheting, sewing, art, and others, but the one that stands out the most is being the #1 supporter for her children and grandchildren. She cherished spending every possible moment with them. Whether it be playing cards, sitting around the table laughing, teaching them how to cook or garden, Maria just simply loved spending time with her family. Maria was a strong independent woman with unconditional love for everyone. Anyone who walked through her door was treated as family, and fed as such. Nobody left her house hungry or without getting a big hug and an “I love you”, repeated multiple times with her strong Italian accent. Maria lived her life caring for others. She spent many years being the primary caregiver to her treasured husband and loving parents. After her husband’s passing, she worked at the Holy Cross House (Notre Dame) where she used her passion of cooking to feed many, including Fr. Hesburgh, during her 18 years of service.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francesco Agostino and by her parents, Giovanni and C. Caterina (Pelle) Aversa. Her brother-in-law, Pietro “Peter” Agostino passed away later on Monday, May 23, 2022 in his home. Maria is survived by her six children, Giuseppe “Joe” (Kimberly) Agostino of South Bend, IN; Alba (Jef) Irons of South Bend, IN; Rosetta “Rose” (Gregory) Speights of Beach Park, IL; Caterina “Cay” (Jude) Komyatte of Highland, IN; Gesumino “Jessie” (Kristin) Agostino of South Bend, IN; and Antonio “Tony” (Kathi) Agostino of South Bend, IN; thirteen grandchildren, Maria (David) Kern, Austin and Brea Agostino, Giotto and Anna Irons, Dominic and Julian Speights, Franco, Giovanni and Carmelina Komyatte, Samantha Agostino, and Sophia and Olivia Agostino; three great-grandchildren, Maya, Amelia, and Clara Kern; one brother Domenico "Dom" (Dawn) Aversa of South Bend, IN; nephews John (Annie) Aversa and Mario Aversa of Indianapolis, IN; two sister-in-laws, Teresa Agostino of South Bend, IN; Caterina Lacopo of East Longmeadow, MA; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 28, 2022 in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 until 8 p.m. Friday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter.  Kaniewski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To send online condolences, please visit kaniewski.com.

Maria’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all those that cared for her through her long battle with Alzheimer’s, most recently the entire staff at The Pendle Home, lead by Ma Liza Aquino, for caring for Maria and making her as comfortable as possible.  A deep gratitude has also been extended to Southern Care Hospice especially Sarah Hummel.

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