Maria Lucia Booth

April 24, 1950 - July 29, 2013

MARIA LUCIA BOOTH April 24, 1950 – July 29, 2013 Maria Booth passed away Monday morning July 29th 2013, asleep in her bed. Her loving hus-band, Bob Booth took care of her for many years in their home while Alzheimer’s disease ran its course. Not only was she the most wonderful mother to her sons, Robert and Joseph, but she served as mother to hundreds of Vallejo’s children who had the honor of knowing her in their preschool years. Maria’s mother, Adelaide Gentile lives strong, as do her sister, Irma Matthews and Aurelia Bergamo. Her father, Nicola Gentile and brother, Donato Gentile passed away. Countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and one grand child, Estelle Maria Booth, live on to honor her memory. In 1956, at the age of 6, Maria came to the United States. The youngest of three sisters emi-grating from Italy with their mother, they reunited with their father at their new home in Vallejo, California. In school, Maria learned to speak Spanish before English. She excelled in her studies and eventually obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development. She met her husband, Bob while working at the Solano County Fair in 1968. Maria’s father was opposed to Bob dating his daughter at first, but realize that their love for each other was strong and welcomed Bob into their homes. While Bob served in the US Marine Core for 4 years, the two remained committed to their love, and Maria began her career as the most loving preschool teacher Vallejo would ever know. Not long after they were reunited, they married. In 1977, Maria gave birth to their son Robert Bill, and then in 1980, gave birth to their son, Joseph Salvatore. Maria was a selfless woman dedicating a majority of her time to non-profit organizations. Not only as a member, but as an officer of organizations such as the Italian Catholic Federation, the Order of the Sons of Italy, Virtus Club of Crocket, and the Italian – American Social Club. By dedicating time to the Vallejo Senior Center, the Meals on Wheels program, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, Maria cared for the seniors and youth of Vallejo. Her time and service to Saint Basils School and Church, where she served as a Eucharistic minister, a Lector, and a Lazarus Ministry Minister, was invaluable to our community. Maria’s caring for young children was genuine and true. Her bright personality and loving nature will be missed by many. Her light shined bright for many years, and as a bright light shines, its time was short lived. Maria gave us the best of herself, at all times, and asked for nothing in return. We love you Maria Lucia Booth. Thank you for the lessons you taught us and the patience you showed us. We will try to live our lives by your example; we will keep you in our hearts forever. You will be missed. Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Friday at St. Basil’s Catholic Church, 1230 Nebraska St., Vallejo with Fr. Steven Brolang from St. Vincent’s Church officiating. Inurnment will follow at All Souls Catholic Cemetery, Vallejo. Please visit the online tribute at twinchapelsmortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696.