Maria Strangis

In Loving Memory of Maria Amendola Strangis (1936 - 2025)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and Nonna, Maria Amendola Strangis, who left us on November 3, 2025. Born in Nicastro, Italy, in 1936, Maria was the first of five children and played a pivotal role in raising her siblings, who looked to her as a mother figure throughout their lives.

At the age of 19, Maria married her devoted husband, Giuseppe Strangis. Together, they built a beautiful family, filled with love and resilience. In 1972, seeking greater opportunities for their three children, Maria and Giuseppe made the courageous decision to move to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Despite not speaking a word of English, Maria enrolled in school and quickly learned the language, demonstrating the perseverance that would become a hallmark of her character.

Throughout her life, Maria pursued her passions with determination. She attended design school, graduating with a degree in making patterns from scratch and designing clothes. An excellent seamstress, she worked for various high-end retail establishments in the Pittsburgh area, where her talent was widely recognized.

Maria was also renowned for her culinary skills; her biscotti and lady locks became legendary among family and friends. Whenever anyone visited her home, she would warmly ask, "Are you hungry?" and promptly bring out a feast, complete with a beautifully set tablecloth.

A woman of deep faith, Maria recited the rosary daily and prayed fervently for her family. Her greatest joys came from her eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who adored her immensely.

Maria is survived by her three children: Fortunato Strangis (Elena), Ornella Castman (Rich), and Antonella Valforte (Frank); loving Nonna of Lauren (Adam), Joe, Lorenzo (Gia), Massimo (Natasha), Marcello (Haley), Alexa, Giovanni and Abigail; and bisnonna of Lucia, Alessia, Giovanna, Giovanni and Ciro, as well as her brother Pasquale (Marisa) and former son-in-law Vittorio Lista. 

Her legacy of love, strength, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Maria Amendola Strangis will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends.

Friends recieved on Wednesday, November, 5, from 4pm until 8pm at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 222 Washington Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15216. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 6, at 10:30am in St. Bernard Church, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 311 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Entombment to follow in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maria Strangis, please visit our floral store.