Maria Santina Pompili

Maria Santina was born on 31st October 1946 in Arena, Vibo Valentia, Italy, the first child of Raffaele and Maria Felicia Pagano and older sister to Antonino. At 18, she migrated to Australia with her family, settling in Fairfield East, where she worked briefly as a seamstress with her mother.

In 1965, she met Renato Pompili and they married in 1966, building a home next to her parents. Together, they raised three children: Agostino, Maria Felicia, and Loreta. A devoted homemaker, Santina’s found joy in caring for her family and was known for her warmth, humour, and love of soap operas.

She had a playful way with words, often renaming things in her charming style. Her home was always open, filled with love, food, and laughter. Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, whom she adored.

Santina faced heartache with strength, including the loss of her father in 1973 and her mother in 2013. In 2017, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Despite her courageous battle, she passed away on 8th November 2019, reunited with her beloved parents.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. Her family will forever hold her in their hearts.