Deanna Marilyn Canavati

Canavati, Deanna M. age 87 of Mendota Heights, passed away peacefully on May 8th, surrounded by her devoted family. Deanna was born on May 6th, 1939 to Frank and Florence Skaff in Albert Lea, MN. She graduated from Bethesda Hospital as a Radiology Technologist. She loved her work and took pride in all she did. She was married to Saleh Canavati on July 3rd, 1960, and together they raised their family in the Orthodox Church. There was nothing more important to her than her family, and her absolute pride and joy were her three children. She was the epitome of family and family first. Her love for her grandchildren was profound, and she loved being "Siti." She was a part of everything she could be in their lives, just like she was with her children. Named after Deanna Durbin, a soprano and actress, she herself became a beautiful soprano, performing countless operas, weddings, church choirs, and was invited to perform in the Metropolitan Opera in New York. In her last years, she sang for the residents in the senior living home she lived in. She was an avid sports fan, with a special love for baseball, the St. Paul Saints and the Minnesota Twins. She was always the hostess with the mostess. She hosted the best parties and celebrations, and ALL were welcome at her table. Deanna is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Florence Skaff; and her forever dance partner and husband of 61 years, Saleh Canavati. She is survived by her children Mitri Canavati (Laura Haugen), Chris Canavati (Lori), Elizabeth Canavati-Skoog (Mark); grandchildren Michael (Kelly), Caitlin (Milton), Nicole (Eric), Christian, Kelsey, Ellie and Preston; great grandchildren Teddy, Welles, and Lucy. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13th from 5-8 PM with Trisagion service at 7 PM at Washburn-McReavy Eden Prairie Chapel, 7625 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 14th with visitation half hour prior, at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Ave., S., Minneapolis. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Deanna Marilyn Canavati

May 6, 1939 - May 8, 2026

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