Sestina (DiStefano) Ponzi, formerly of Town of Wheatfield NY, entered eternal rest on June 26, 2026. Born in Comune Di Cagnano Ameriterno, San Giovanni, L’Aquila Italy she was the daughter of the late Nicola and Enrica DiStefano. Sestina entered the United States in September of 1951 at the age of 22. Post World War II she married Nello L. Ponzi on August 9th 1951 in L’Aquila (Abruzzo) Italy. Mr. Ponzi pre-deceased her on April 29,1986.

Sestina worked as a cook at the Como Restaurant then later for Pete’s Market House retiring in 1989; a career extending 35 years. She was a former active member of the Casa Columbo, Eagle Club, Wheatfield Seniors and both Our Lady of Czestochowa and St Joseph’s Catholic Church. She was very active in retirement and traveled extensively with friends, family and various clubs. She loved listening to “classic Italian music” with her favorite artists being Andrea Bocelli, Jerry Vale and Dean Martin. Her friends always claimed she was the life of any party as she loved to lead any gathered group in song, prayer and dance. Sestina loved cooking, telling family stories and travel. In her 70’s and 80’s her passions were riding her bike for several miles daily, attending water aerobics classes, participating in various club functions and travel with her many friends depending upon the activity. Her family however was always her top priority. She was never happier when in the presence of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, which she loved unconditionally. Her Catholic Faith was the foundation of her everyday life, praying the rosary daily with her favorite Saint being St Anthony.

Sestina is survived by her beloved children, Norman J. Ponzi (Lisa), Rena A. Previte (Joseph Conte), Navino L. Ponzi (Maureen) and Liana R. Scrivani (Gilbert); her loving grandchildren, Anthony Ponzi (Kim), Kristina Ponzi, Jacqueline Turner (Brian), Amanda Todino (Edward), Jenna McConnell (Ben), Matthew Ponzi (Amanda), Vincent and Andrew Scrivani; her cherished great-grandchildren, Emma and Cali Ponzi, Kaden Turner, Gianni, Dominic and Cecilla Todino, Valerie and Samantha McConnell, Cooper and Olivia Ponzi, Angelina and Casper Scrivani. In addition to her husband of 35 years, she was predeceased by her family in L’Aquila Italy; two brothers Nicola DiStefano, Giovanni DiStefano (Lidia) and three sisters, Linda Mirelli (Pietro), Ermina Di Maulo (Stefano), Clara Giangili (Paulo) and several surviving nieces and nephews. Umberta Ceresoli (Tulio) remains the only surviving sister.

In America she was predeceased by seven brothers-in-law, Alex (Lee), Anthony (Josephine), John (Jerry), Emanuel (Mary), Rico (Margaret), Joseph (Mary), and Octavio (Lillian); five sisters-in-law; Anna Polin (Joseph), Ester Cialenti (James), Julia Striker (Raymond), Antoniette DeSantis (Joseph) Sistina Altabello (Anthony) and several nieces and nephews. She was the oldest surviving Matriarch of both the Ponzi and DiStefano Families.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank both Lisa Huey and Sherri Halik for their endearing love, support and generosity provided the past decade. Additionally, the family would like to recognize the caregivers at Wheatfield Commons Memory Care, Ascension OLP and Niagara Hospice for the special care and love shown to Sestina the past several years.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 21 from 3-7 pm M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Sestina’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 22 at 12 Noon in St Joseph’s Church, 1413 Pine Avenue Niagara Falls, NY, with entombment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery (La Pieta Mausoleum) Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Alzheimer’s / Dementia associations, in honor of Sestina Ponzi at Dementia Society https://Dementia Society of America or the Alzheimer's Association at https://Alzheimer's Association . Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.