Maria graduated from The Convent of the Sacred Heart of Elmhurst Academy in Providence, RI, Chamberlayne Jr. College in Boston, MA majoring in early childhood education. She also attended the Elliot Pierson School of Early Childhood in Boston. Maria was Vice President of The Association of Young Children while studying in the Boston area.
She was instrumental in developing a prekindergarten program in The Boston schools in conjunction with the government program, Head Start, for underprivileged children. Maria was an early childhood education teacher for many years at Kent Country Day School in Warwick, RI under the tutelage of its founder, Julie Petrarca. The school was later a model for the Continuing Education Program at the University of Rhode Island.
She expanded this position by not only being a loving teacher but also keeping in contact with many of her students through the years whose parents were friends and relatives. She rejoiced when former students had children of their own. Maria enjoyed her life in both Newport and North Palm Beach.
In Newport she was a docent for the Newport Preservation Society and also a key member during the 1990’s. She knowledgeably gave tours of all the Newport mansions, with her favorite being the Breakers. Maria was also a past member of the Bonnet Shores Beach Club.
After the death of her father, Alfred Cardi, she worked long hours at his pharmacy in the Knightsville section of Cranston, Medical Arts Pharmacy, which was a cornerstone in that section of Cranston for many years. She also was the devoted caregiver for her mother, Aline (Perrino) Cardi. Maria was also active in the Cranston Italian Festival, Madonna Maria Della Civita, for which she was named.
Ms. Cardi had a zest for life, attending many Newport Preservation Society events, as well as events for the English Speaking Union, including the America’s Cup Ball with Prince Andrew and Mrs. Hugh D. Auchincloss in attendance in 1983, the Breakers Ball in 1987 honoring Princess Margaret and the events at the International Jumping Derby. She also attended two presidential inaugurations as well as the inaugural balls for President John F. Kennedy and President Ronald Reagan. Her love of adventure compelled her to travel to Europe and the Bahamas on a routine basis.
Her favorite destination was the villa in Italy owned by her long term friend Fernando D’Eramo. They would share many summers there together in Abruzzi and Rome. Maria was a fashion icon whose advice was often sought by family, friends and organizations.
Never trendy, always classic, she was stopped and photographed for the newspaper by many in Newport and Providence. Her collection of Gucci and Pucci started as early as the 1960’s where her European travels exposed her to her favorite designers and fashion houses. She is survived by her beloved brother Alfred Cardi, nephews Alfred Cardi, Christopher Cardi and beloved nieces, Pamela Cardi Forti, Marianna Cardi Mackenzie, Stephanie Latour Dolan, Maria Latour Kadison.
She leaves her beloved cousins Stephen A. Cardi, Antonio B. Cardi, Marianna Cardi Latour, and Maria H. Izzi as well her close friends Emmy Spirito Dwyer and Sandy Davies Hobson. Maria was always happy and vivacious despite her long illness. Her friends and family constantly reminded her of her strength and dignity in the face of adversity.
She will be missed by all who loved her. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 18th, at 9:00 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston, RI. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, 73 Church Street, Cranston, RI.
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