It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected and untimely passing of Maria D’Onofrio of Mechanicsville, Maryland, on April 23, 2026. Maria was born on November 21, 1936, in Lanciano, Italy, and was raised in a loving Italian family.
Maria was raised solely by her mother, Laura Ursini, as her father, Vincenzo Ursini, became a casualty of WWII. They learned the meaning of hard work and family values at a very young age. Although her education was limited, Maria’s foundation was built on integrity, work ethic, and determination. From childhood to adulthood, Maria’s life consisted of hard work, being kind, family connection, and fostering a strong Catholic faith. Those core values shaped the essence of Maria’s character for the rest of her life.
In 1957, Maria met Fiorino D’Onofrio, the man who changed the trajectory of her life. Fiorino and Maria married in October 1957, then later relocated to the United States. In 1958, they began their married life in Washington, DC, and then moved to District Heights, Maryland, in 1963, where they raised their two daughters, Lucia and Ida. In 2003, this loving couple moved to Southern Maryland and continued making memories and living their best life as retirees.
Maria, or “Mama” as she was known to the family, worked full-time. In addition to working full-time, Maria enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling, being a devoted wife, a nurturing mom, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Family was everything to her. Maria was the heart of the family, known for her generosity, spiritual strength, and ability to promote family togetherness. Her kindness left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Maria shared her love for Italian food, music, and dance, and loved spending time and making memories with her family and friends. Her smile and laughter were infectious.
Maria was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Fiorino D’Onofrio; her older sister, Giovinella Bellisario (Italy); her great-granddaughter, Izabella; and her parents, Vincenzo and Laura Ursini (Italy).
Maria is survived by her children Lucia (D’Onofrio) Curtis/(Paul) and Ida (D’Onofrio) Horn/(Robert); grandchildren Angela (Curtis) Newton/(Chris), Christopher Curtis/(Paige) and great grandchildren Guiliana Curtis, Cameron Newton, CJ Curtis and Max Newton; sisters Antonietta Masciangelo (Italy) and Ida Lusi and a host of nieces and nephews.
Of all the special gifts in life, however great or small, to have “Mama” in your life was the greatest gift of all. She was deeply loved by her family and truly will be missed.
Family and friends will celebrate her life on May 6th, 2026, with visitation from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622, and mass beginning at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 28297 Old Village Road, Mechanicsville, Maryland, 20659. Interment will follow after the service at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd, Clinton, MD 20735.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, Maryland.
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