Our amazing mother, Mawmaw and Aunt Mary to many, joined her heavenly Father and was reunited with her husband, the love of her life, Joe on October 18th.  She was born in Beaumont on May 5, 1911 to Joseph and Josephine Fertitta and is the last survivor of their 13 children.  Her parents immigrated to Texas in 1907 from Sicily and settled in Beaumont.

Although Mom lived to 103, she never had concern for herself or her age and would say, “I’m not old, I’m just a year older than I was last year”.  She was always willing to help anyone in need, unselfishly giving of her time and many talents. There was no limit to her talent as a gifted seamstress.  She was brilliant at creating fashions for any occasion, including wedding gowns to homemade Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls.  She made sure we all had them as well as those cozy Afghans she so lovingly crocheted.  It was a sad day for many when she hung up her needle at age 85.

Mom was never too busy to make time for anyone who stopped by.  There was a constant knock on her door...everyone enjoyed being with her.  Afternoon coffee was an everyday treat if you happened to be there and a fond memory for so many of us.  We will never forget her homemade scoties.

She was a devout Catholic and member of St. Anthony’s Cathedral for over 75 years.  She was also a member of the Altar Society and The Catholic Daughters.  She was always very involved in church and school.

We especially thank her daughter Mary and husband John who lovingly cared for her the last 8 years of her life so she could stay in her home.  We want to offer special gratitude to Lawana Hervey for the loving care she gave Mom.  Always with a cheerful smile and kind words, she was like a daughter and best friend to her and Mom looked so forward to Monday mornings when Lawana would come.  She especially liked their fried chicken runs and drives around town, praying and singing together...their friendship had much to do with Mom’s long life.  We also want to thank Gera Williams for her service to Mom, providing excellent care and being available when we called.  Much gratitude to Karen Soares for all the afternoons she spent with Mom, sharing special things that Mom especially enjoyed, treating Mom like her own Mother.  She provided food for the family every day the last few days of Mom’s life.   Last but not least, many thanks to Debbie Walker for providing constant care, love and tireless support during Mom’s last days.  Special thanks as well to the Hospice workers who cared for her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years and daughter, Natalie.  She is survived by her daughters, JoBeth (Jodie) Adcock (Sherman), Mary Golden (John); sons, Frank J. Danna and Rick Danna (Carmen). 

Grandchildren: Tommy Walker (Debbie), Kathy Jackson, Ronnie Walker (Rhonda), Chuck Walker (Patty), Ellen Price (Matt), Steve Livingston, Danette Ormand (Mike), Amee Danna Maxwell, Ashley Danna, Joshua Danna, Johnny Golden, Jeremy Golden (Margarita), and Bridget Golden.

Mary also has 17 great grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Tommy Walker, Ronnie Walker, Chuck Walker, Steve Livingston, Jeremy Golden, and Joshua Danna and honorary pallbearer, Johnny Golden.

A gathering of Mrs. Danna’s family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m., Monday, October 20, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2014, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, P.O. Box 3309, Beaumont, Texas 77704; Rainbow Room of Beaumont, P.O. Box 5974, Beaumont, Texas 77726-5974; or Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church CYO, P.O. Box 38, China, Texas 77613.