Anita (De Fusco) Mazzaglia's Obituary
Anita (De Fusco) Mazzaglia, 105, of Newburyport, wife of the late Anthony Mazzaglia of Methuen, died peacefully at High Pointe Hospice, surrounded by her family, on Monday, June 24, of natural causes. Born in Providence, RI, in 1914, Anita was, above all, a devoted mother and grandmother. Admired and loved by all whose lives she touched, Anita ‘s love of family and deep faith were her mainstays. Beloved by her family, she is survived by Anthony Mazzaglia and his wife Donna Sylvester of Newburyport, Elaine Mawhinney of Newburyport, Brenda DiStefano and her companion Michael Riccio of Pelham N.H., Diane Allen and her husband Dave Allen of Turners Falls, her 5 grandchildren Guy Mawhinney, Laura Bujak, John DiStefano, Marisa Stevens, and Corey Sutton, her 7 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, her sisters; Mary Ragosta, 102, and the late Yolanda Campopiano; both of Rhode Island, and several nieces and nephews. She will live on through her family and all those who were privileged to experience her kindness and goodness.
Anita’s life was full and rich, and she carried her 105 years with grace, beauty, and dignity. Strong, determined, loving, kind, and multi-talented, Anita also had a love of learning throughout her life, was an avid reader and enjoyed taking courses ranging from philosophy to language to music lessons at Phillips Academy. Her passion for learning, her superior secretarial skills, and her deep spirituality found the perfect home at Merrimack College, where she was an administrative assistant for 47 years in the Business Division and later in the Modern Language division. The great admiration and respect everyone had for her throughout the college was on full display at a college-wide tribute at the Elliot Center when she left her position at age 94. Her strong Catholic faith showed in her devotion to her church, St. Monica’s Church in Methuen, where she was an active parishioner for 75 years. An expert seamstress, she made vestments for the clergy and used her musical talents to serve as organist for many years.
Given all this, Anita was really a simple woman, always singularly focused on what was really important.
Friends and guests are invited to call on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St. Monica’s Parish, 212 Lawrence St. Methuen. Entombment to follow at St. Mary-Immaculate Conception Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions to High Pointe Hospice House, 360 North Ave. Haverhill. MA 01830. For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mazzaglia Family.
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