Clelia (Zappulla) Giacchino passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 22nd at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington. She was 92. Born and raised in Palazzolo Acreide, Sicily, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Rosario and Maria (Nigro) Zappulla. She came to the United States in 1961 and settled in Medford, where she made her home with her husband Joseph.

Clelia was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a great example of dedication to the nursing students under her charge at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, where she served as residence director for over 25 years. Known to the students as "Mrs. G," she conveyed her maternal care to them, which helped them to become better nurses. As a young widow, Clelia worked hard to provide for her family through her job, while also being a dynamo of activity at home. She loved cooking for her family and made the best coffee. She had a green thumb, indoors and out. Her home had plenty of plants in it and she cultivated a lovely garden. A devout woman, Clelia was an active parishioner of Saint Raphael's church. She was a member of the prayer group and, in her younger years, would often walk to Mass. Later in life, when she could not make it to church, she found the Catholic channel to be a great support for her prayer.

The beloved wife of the late Joseph Giacchino, Clelia was a devoted mother to Roy Giacchino, Francesca Giacchino, Maria Giacchino, and Sandro Giacchino. She was the beloved sister of Orazio Zappulla and the late Maria Zappulla and Angelina Zappulla. She is also survived by many devoted nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at Saint Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford on Wednesday, March 26 from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Raphael’s on Thursday, March 27 at 11 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Clelia’s name to the Hospice Program at Lahey Hospital, 41 Mall Rd., Burlington, MA 01805