Maria “Mary” Jenny Testa-Nazionale

On June 20, 2023, Maria (Mary) Jenny Testa-Nazionale (nee Abbonizio) was called from this world to be reunited in spirit with the loves of her life, Anthony (Tony) Testa, who had been called up to the Lord 41 years ago, and Salvatore (“Pat”) Nazionale who passed away 4 years ago. Bestowed with the name of her grandmother, Mary (aka “Nana”) was born in West Philadelphia on October 13, 1931, and her death was preceded by that of her beloved parents, Domenico (“Domenic”) and Giacinta (“Jenny” nee Campitelli) Abbonizio, hailing from the province of Chieti in the Abruzzo region of Italy, and three older siblings whom she loved and dearly missed: Michael, Ralph and Filomena (Phyllis) Brunelli.  Mary is survived by her three loving children and each of their spouses: June (Testa) and Wayne Regan, Rita (Testa) and James Murphy, and Anthony and Barbara (De Matteis) Testa; her eight adoring grandchildren and spouses: Lauren (Murphy) and Neil-Michel Chiaradio, Megan (Regan) and Robert Basquill, Brandon Murphy and Stephanie, Amanda Murphy, Jessica Testa, Anthony Testa, III, Melissa Testa, and Michael Testa and Taylor; by her five beautiful great-grandchildren: Emma Regan, Brynn Murphy, Mallory Murphy, Vincent Chiaradio and Domenic Chiaradio, and by many caring nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. From both the Testa and Abbonizio families, Mary was the last surviving family member of the greatest generation, and from that generation, she exemplified the humbleness, grace, dignity, beauty and utmost regard for her God, family and country. From her early years in West Philly of dancing on American Bandstand and swooning Frank Sinatra who was crooning on stage before her (for free!), to later raising a loving and closely-knit family and working at the Overbrook 5 & 10 for many years, Mary was always deeply committed to her faith in God, praying the Rosary and rich in adoration for the Blessed Mother and Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. To everyone that had the privilege to meet and know Nana, our matriarch, “the Queen” (the affectionate title conferred upon her by her family that she loved to hear), will be forever remembered as a kind, gentle, generous-hearted and loving woman with a bright and beautiful smile, for her lovable sense of humor and memorable laughter, tender hugs, and endless prayers for God’s blessings.

Friends and family may pay their respects on Monday, June 26th 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM followed by her Funeral Mass 10:30 AM – ALL IN CHURCH at St. Anastasia Church 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073.  Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, her children ask that donations be made for prayers of enteral peace in Mary’s name, Maria Jenny Testa-Nazionale, in honor of the first American Saint – and her favorite Saint – who once walked the same streets as Mary in West Philly, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. Donations can be made to the attention of the Executive Director, Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, 701 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, New York, 10040.

Mom, Nana, Mary and dearest friend, we now pray that you forever shine your angelic light and guide our path along a safe journey until we are together once again. You will be forever missed and never forgotten.

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