Maria Bongiardina, 96, of Coral Springs, FL passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2013. Maria was born January 5, 1917 in Pozzallo, Sicily, Italy to Francesco and Concetta Arezzo. Maria began working at a very young age in Italy. She met and married her beloved, Salvatore, and had two beautiful children prior to her move to New York in 1958. Once settled in the U.S., she began working in the garment district making coats and dresses, despite the fact that she couldn't speak English. Always very serious, she was extremely hardworker. She worked full time until her husband's passing in 1981. She then retired to Coral Springs to be closer to her daughter. She continued making dresses and other clothing in her spare time. She would spend every Sunday with her daughter and son-in-law. Maria attended Mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church until her dementia prevented her from doing so. She is survived by daughters, Rose (Vincent)Campo and Tina (Frank) Farrugia; grandchildren, Frank and Michele Farrugia and Joseph, Salvatore, Vincent Jr. Campo; great grandchildren, Sal Jr., Joseph, Reese, and Leila; and nieces & nephews, Robert and Alfred, Anthony, Frank Jr., Frances and Tina. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Sal, Pat, and Jenny. Friends may call from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at Coral Springs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Alzheimer's Association at alz.org in Maria's memory.