Mariella Flentje, 89, of Defiance, passed away on  Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at The Laurels of Defiance. She was born on September 21, 1926 to Cesare and Alfea (Massantini) Lorenzi in Pisa, Italy. On January 16, 1948 she married Robert Flentje, who proceeded her in death on October 27, 2009. Mariella was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Defiance. She worked in the cafeteria for Defiance City Schools. Mariella loved to travel, especially back to her homeland in Italy and France. She enjoyed sewing and gardening, and was an excellent cook, known by many for her delicious dishes. Mariella is survived by her granddaughter, Melinda (Chris) Cook of Toledo, Ohio, two great-granddaughters, Brianna and Mariella, best friend, Madonna Hammons, who prayed with Mariella at her bedside, and John Herald. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cesare and Alfea Lorenzi, daughter, Bobie Herald, son, Marc Flentje, and sister, Loretta Pascal. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:30 am on Saturday at St. John Catholic Church, Defiance, with Fr. Eric Mueller officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.