Maria Paternò Arezzo ( December 11 , 1869 , Ragusa Ibla , Sicily — December 28 , 1908 , Messina ) , Princess of Castellaci , was an Italian noblewoman and philanthropist who is renowned for her charity bequest to build a hospital for the poor in her city of birth . She was the daughter of Giuseppe Maria Alvaro Paternò , the 5th Prince of Sperlinga and 13th Baron of Manganelli , and of Vincenzina Arezzo of the barons of Donnafugata . She died when she was only 39 years old , without leaving an heir , under the rubble of the 1908 Messina earthquake together with her husband Francesco Marullo Balsamo , Prince of Castellaci and Count of Condojanni
1908 Messina earthquake
1908 Messina earthquake
Maria Paternò Arezzo