Imaculata C. Lifrieri passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA with her daughters by her side. She was 91. Born in Chelsea, MA on December 11, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Cosimo and Vicenza Fantasia.
Affectionately known as Margaret by family and friends, she was the beloved wife of the late Cesidio “Jesse” R. Lifrieri. Prior to his passing they shared 50 years of marriage. She is survived by her two daughters, Giuditta “Judy” and her husband James Houhoulis of Boxborough, Nancy and her husband James Patsios of Andover. She is a loving grandmother to William and Vincent Patsios, Anthony Houhoulis and the late Gina and Alyssa Patsios. She is also survived by her sisters, Doris Arrigo of North Andover and Theresa Recupero of Revere. She was preceded in death by her brother Salvatore Fantasia and sisters Jenny Zullo, Filomena Keller and Mary Colarossi. She leaves behind a sister in law Rita Lifrieri and many cherished nieces, nephews, Godchildren and friends.
Margaret was a member of the ‘39ers’, the graduating class of 1939 at Chelsea High School. During World War II she worked at the GE in Lynn making couplers for jet engines. After her marriage to Jesse in 1955 they moved to Somerville where they raised their family. She and Jesse looked forward to family summer vacations in the Berkshires and New Hampshire. They traveled cross country by train and took trips to Florida, Italy and Bermuda. In her leisure Margaret enjoyed family traditions and gatherings and would be ready with homemade pasta and a tray of home baked Italian cookies. Her greatest joy was her family and she loved spending time with her grandsons. She cherished them and delighted in their accomplishments. She was a devout Catholic and found strength in her faith. She was a caring and loving person and is remembered most for her service to others.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD Monday at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday 3-8. Services will conclude with burial at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. As an expression of sympathy memorial contributions may be sent in Imaculata’s name to the National Stroke Association, 9707 East Easter Lane, Centennial, CO 80112.