Marion M. (D'Ambrosio) Morelli, 90, of Fairhaven, formerly of New Bedford, died Wednesday April 14, 2004 at Alden Court Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was the wife of the late Robert J. Morelli; they had been married for 51 years.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Joseph D'Ambrosio and Rose (Yellenti) D'Ambrosio Cataldo and stepdaughter of the late Joseph Cataldo, she lived in New Bedford for most of her life. She attended New Bedford Public Schools.
She was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church, where she was a Past President of the Women's League.
Many years ago, she was employed as a waitress at Smith's Restaurant in Downtown New Bedford. She then married and became a homemaker, and also assisted her husband at his business in Fall River, the former Robert's Fur and Formal Shop.
She was an active volunteer at many church functions and was an excellent fundraiser for her church. She enjoyed her work as a volunteer at St. Luke's Hospital for many years. Devoted to her family, she treasured close family ties and was a dearly loved wife, mother, and grandmother. She lived her life with enthusiasm and joy and easily made many friends. She was a kind, compassionate woman and a very gracious hostess who loved to entertain with a flair. She loved spending time with her family, cooking Italian specialties, decorating her home, traveling, and tending to her flowers. In 1996 she became a resident of Alden Court where she quickly made many friends and loving relationships with the staff, residents, and their family members. She would greet everyone with a smile and a wave and would receive countless hugs in return. Everyone knew her by name and she will be greatly missed.
Survivors include a daughter, Marcia A. Costa and her longtime companion Richard Lavoie, of New Bedford; two grandchildren, Robert J. Costa and Angela A. Costa; two brothers, Dr. Edward Cataldo, and his wife Genevieve, of Leominster, and George Cataldo of Westport; a sister-in-law, Ethel Cataldo of Fairhaven; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was the sister of the late Angelo Ambrose, Joseph Cataldo, Jr., and Albert D'Ambrosio, on whose birthday Marion passed away.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordSaturday April 17, 2004 at 8 AM.Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 9 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Friday April 16, 2004 from 4-8 PM. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery,