Anita DiStefano

Anita was born on May 21, 1929, in New York City, the second youngest of 10 children born to Frank and Rose Staropoli, immigrants from Italy. Anita was blessed with eight brothers and a sister and spent her childhood in Manhattan, graduating from St. John Academy High School in Staten Island, New York. She attended classes at Fordham University in the Bronx before heading to Rome to teach at a Catholic elementary school and afterwards to South Africa as a Missionary. On July 13, 1954, Anita married the love of her life, Peter DiStefano. They settled in Westchester County in a small, but quaint, town of South Salem. Anita taught 1st grade at a Catholic school where, as a gifted and passionate teacher, she helped shape the lives of her many students. Anita a Peter resided in South Salem for many years, where they raised their two children, Mary Regina and Peter. They moved to Temecula, California in 1988. While in Temecula, Anita's passion for teaching led her to the Temecula Valley School District where she worked for 18 years until her retirement. Anita loved to keep busy. She enjoyed gardening, taking much pride in her beautiful roses and delicious homegrown fruits. She enjoyed playing the piano and loved teaching her students. She also loved to volunteer her time being part of the St. Catherine's Women's Club, assisting her husband with Knights of Columbus activities, greeting parishioners at the 5am Mass with her warm and welcoming smile, serving as a Eucharist Minister and leading the Rosary after daily Mass. She loved and cherished spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren. With an unwavering interest in others, she was always helping or praying for those in need. Anita gave much and was blessed much. Anita was love. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anita leaves behind her son, Peter (Teri); daughter Mary Regina (Jeff); sister Rosemarie; brother Rosario; grandchildren Kayci, Christopher, Matthew and Brian; and many nieces and nephews. Anita will be laid to rest with her husband, Peter, in Temecula Public Cemetery.