Mary Mina Travia

Mary Mina Travia, age 94, of Glenolden, PA passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was born the youngest of seven surviving children to an Italian-American family who resided in South Philadelphia.

Mary loved music, and at the age of 19 she went to a local dance where she met and soon married Vito John Mina (also of South Philadelphia). They originally built their household in Southwest Philadelphia, and in 1969 relocated the family to Glenolden, PA. Mary lived and thrived in their home for the next 54 years.

While Mary held several positions during the course of her life, none would surpass that of wife, homemaker, and mother. During their 47 years together, Mary and Vito had their five beloved children: Antoinette “Annette” Carr (George), Yvonne Orme (Rick), Mary Ellen Sokoloff (Jon), Joseph Mina (Andrea) & Natalie Garner (Bruce).

Mary was a consummate host who pulled out all the stops as a home chef, but also derived tremendous joy from gardening, walking, reading and traveling. Her voice resounded not only for many Happy Birthdays, but also for the hymns she loved so
deeply to sing as a choir member with St. George Catholic Church, Glenolden Congregational Church, and Aldan Union Church of which she was a longtime member.

In 1997, Mary served as the primary caregiver of her husband during his battle with ALS through to his final days. She felt blessed several years thereafter to again meet another love at another dance, Dominic Travia. During their 18-year marriage, travel, dancing, and leisurely pursuits brought boundless joy to them both until his passing in 2018.

Mary’s dedication to her family was rooted in her deep faith. Mary never wavered in her devotion to Jesus, and delighted in sharing His message and reading His word. She attended weekly Bible study, and prayed for all those she loved and cared for fervently and with genuine love.

In addition to her children, she is also survived by 13 adoring grandchildren (Ron, Melanie, Diana, Rick, Christa, Patrick, Michael, Andrew, Rachael, Elyse, Christine, Claire and Abby), 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and
nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, George and Natalie Iannessa (nee Favata), siblings Emily, Albert, George, Edward, Frances, and Thomas and her grandson, Jonathan Mina.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00PM on June 12th at Aldan Union Church, 7 E. Providence Rd. Aldan, PA 19018. (Interment private).

Donations in Mary’s name may be made to: The ALS Association -https://donate.als.org/give/287064/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=jumppage , Alzheimer’s Association - https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate , or The CJ Foundation for SIDs  - https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.