Maria Piera Neve

MARIA PIERA NEVE passed peacefully on May 17th, with her family by her side.  Born in Casarza Ligure, Province of Genoa, Italy to parents Bartolomeo Solari and Luigia Finocchietti, she came to California in 1956 and settled in Daly City.  There she began her lifelong involvement in the floral industry, helping to manage the family’s flower growing business, and raise three sons.  Maria moved to Sonoma County in 1968, when the company relocated to Petaluma.  She spent the next 30 years as a partner in ‘Neve Roses,’ a leading cut flower producer in California.  As a leader and a vendor, she was instrumental in the establishment of the San Rafael and Santa Rosa Farmer’s Markets.  She was undaunted, with a tireless work ethic and vision, which she passed on to her sons and grandsons.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents and son Robert.  She is survived by her brother, Giuseppe Solari; sister, Pina Solari; sons, Louis (Raelene) and Victor (Natalie); grandsons, Nicholas (Kerri), Christopher, Mitchell, Spencer, Anthony, and Alex; great-grandchildren, Jenna and Dominic-whose visits she so enjoyed in her last year; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.  Her family, friends, and many former employees will miss Maria dearly.  Special thanks to Dr. James Leoni, the staff at PVH, and Maria’s caregivers, Adalberta Cruz, Marisella Ponce, and Raquel Bernal.

Please join in a Celebration of Maria’s Life on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Neve Brothers Nursery, 2645 Bodega Ave., Petaluma.  For info, call: 707-217-2606.  Private Inurnment.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church General Fund, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma, CA 94952.

Neve Brothers Nursery