Giuseppina “Pina” Raia of Portland died peacefully at home after a long illness on February 17, 2026. She was surrounded by her loving family as she always was.

Pina was born on November 2, 1945, in Somma Vesuviana Naples Italy, the daughter of Sabato Raia and Vincenza Piccolo. She attended local schools until she left to work in the family salumeria.

In 1967 it was there that she met her husband, Salvatore Raia. She knew that this was the person she was looking for and they married 3 months later March 4, 1967. They had their first child, Giulia a year later. Pregnant with her second child Linda, they voyaged to the United States in hopes of a better life.

They settled in Portland and continued to build a full and beautiful life there. There they were blessed with their third child Sabato. When he started school, Pina began her parttime career as an accomplished seamstress first at Benoits and then at Josephs. She later went on to work in Portland Public Schools until her retirement.

Pina defined herself first and foremost as a mother, a vocation that she cherished. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She was their fiercest protector, and, in her eyes, they could do no wrong, ever. She enjoyed cooking for her family, shopping with friends, and quilting and crafting with her ladies every Wednesday. Pina was known for her quattro uova cake which she shared with so many with love. She took pride in her appearance, a true fashionista. Her family continued to honor that through the very end.

Pina was proud of her Italian heritage and shared that love with her children and grandchildren. The family spoke Italian in the home and visited Italy often to stay connected. There was always a plate set at the table for whoever visited. She loved to sing in the choir at St Peter’s Catholic Church where she was a communicant as well as an active member of the Women’s Sodality.

Pina is survived by her husband of 59 years Salvatore. Their 3 children Giulia, Linda and Sabino; and 5 grandchildren, Alexia, Daniela, Giovanni, Dominic and Isabella. She is also survived by her sisters Maria Raia Cerciello and Carmen Raia and her husband Gino Cimmino, sister-in-law Lucia Cassese and her husband Vincenzo and multiple nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Sabato and Vincenza, brother-in-law Domenico and his wife Maria, and brother-in-law Vittorio Cerciello.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Northern Lights Homecare and Hospice, especially Tarah, Jen and Jane for all the loving care they provided.

In addition, they would like to thank Brenda Grace for her loving care and support.

She will be forever missed!

Visiting hours will be held 5:00-700pm Monday February 23,2026 at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue Portland.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held February 24, 2026, at 10 am at St Peter’s Catholic Church Portland Maine. Interment will be held afterward at Calvary Cemetery 1461 Broadway, South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen Portland.