Maria Mattarella, the esteemed Secretary General of the Sicilian Region and niece of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, has passed away at the age of 62 in her Palermo home.

She had been battling an incurable illness for some time.

Maria was the daughter of Piersanti Mattarella, the former President of the Sicilian Region, who was tragically assassinated by the mafia in 1980. At the time of her father's death, Maria was just 18 years old and present in the car during the attack.

A respected lawyer, she was appointed Secretary General in 2017, recognized for her competence and dedication to public service.

Maria leaves behind two sons, Giovanni and Piersanti, and is remembered for her significant contributions to the region and her unwavering commitment to justice.