Mary J. Toschi (88), a vibrant soul whose laughter and homemade pasta could light up even the darkest rooms, has closed her kitchen for the final time. On March 19, 2024, Mary passed away from a short-term illness in her hometown of Madera, California, surrounded by the rich aromas of her life well-lived. Born on August 24, 1935, to Andrew and Angelina Gotelli, who were part of Madera's bustling Italian immigrant community, Mary's first words may have been in Italian, but she quickly found her voice in English, much to the relief of her grammar school teachers.
After graduating from Madera Union High School in 1953, Mary did more than snag a diploma; she caught the eye of Paul Toschi Jr., and together, they embarked on a 42-year-long marriage that was as spicy and delightful as her signature dishes. While Paul sometimes dared to enter the kitchen with his own culinary creations, it was always Mary's seasoned hand that stirred the pot of life, creating a home that was both a refuge and a social hub.