Anna Maria Malacari, 84, of Stanley, North Carolina, entered into eternal life on June 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A woman of deep faith, unwavering devotion to her family, and enduring strength, Anna lived a life that reflected the words of Scripture: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (Proverbs 31:25).
Anna was born in, in Foggia, Italy, to Atillo and Josephine Matullo. From an early age, she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family. She shared a special bond with her father, who owned a casket-making business. While none of her siblings expressed interest in continuing the family trade, Anna was eager to learn from her beloved papa and hoped one day to help carry on the family legacy. When her father passed away while she was still a young woman, her life’s path changed dramatically, but the lessons he taught her about hard work, dedication, and family remained with her throughout her life.
As a young girl, Anna was blessed with a remarkable spiritual experience when she was blessed by St. Padre Pio and made her confession to him. That encounter left a lasting impression on her heart and fostered a lifelong devotion to the beloved saint, whose example of faith and perseverance she carried with her throughout her life.
Like many immigrants of her generation, Anna possessed the courage to leave her homeland and begin a new chapter in America while holding tightly to the faith, traditions, and values that defined her. During a visit to family on Long Island, she attended a gathering in Utica where she met Vincent Malacari, the love of her life. Their meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful love story that would span decades.
Affectionately known to Vincent as “Anna Bella,” she cherished the life they built together. Their marriage was a partnership of faith, devotion, and enduring love. Whether praying the Rosary together, raising their family, welcoming loved ones into their home, or simply enjoying one another’s company, they shared a bond that remained steadfast throughout their years together. Together they built a beautiful family and a home filled with faith, laughter, and unconditional love.
Anna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, and friend. Her greatest joy came from caring for those she loved. She took immense pride in creating a warm and welcoming home where family and friends always felt loved and valued. Nothing brought her greater happiness than gathering her family around the table. Her meals were more than nourishment; they were expressions of love, opportunities for storytelling, laughter, and the preservation of cherished Italian traditions. She preserved those traditions not as memories of the past, but as gifts to be passed on to future generations.
Known for her quick wit, sharp mind, and strong will, Anna possessed a remarkable ability to keep everything in order. You could never get anything past her. Even in her final days, her meticulous nature remained intact. While being transported by ambulance to the hospital, she reminded her caregiver to make sure her pajamas were neatly folded before leaving the house—a small but perfect reflection of the pride she took in caring for her home and family.
Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She prayed faithfully, trusted deeply in God’s providence, and found strength in the sacraments. Among her greatest blessings was witnessing her son, Carmen, answer God’s call to the priesthood. She supported his vocation with constant prayers, encouragement, and unwavering faith, viewing his priesthood as both a blessing to her family and a gift to the Church she loved so dearly.
Anna’s life embodied the qualities described in Proverbs 31. She was a noble wife, a loving mother, and a faithful servant of God whose children rise and call her blessed. She fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she now receives the crown of righteousness promised by the Lord to those who have remained faithful.
Anna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vincent Malacari, and her parents, Tullio and Giuseppina Matullo.
She is survived by her children, Rev. Carmen Malacari, Anna Malacari, and Angela Chesnut; her grandchildren Bianca, Clifton, Shawntae and Karmon; as well as numerous relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Though her family grieves her absence, they find comfort in knowing that Anna is now reunited with her beloved Vincent and embraced by the Lord she loved and served throughout her life. The lessons she taught, the traditions she preserved, and the love she gave so generously will continue to live in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
A Mass of Resurrection of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Denver, North Carolina. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. prior to the Mass. Interment will take place at a later date at St. Agnes Cemetery in Utica, New York.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Building Fund; Holy Spirit Catholic Church Building Fund Donation Link
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:29
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