Antonina Ragonese, 91, of Methuen was called to her Heavenly Father on Friday December 20th at Lawrence General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Gela, Sicily daughter of the late Rocco and Emanuela (Bonvisuto) DiBartolo. Antonina was a longtime communicant of Corpus Christi Holy Rosary Church as well as St Monica’s Church. In her free time she enjoyed sewing, cooking, tending to her plants, and most especially passing down stories of life in Italy. She treasured her family, most especially her grandchildren, on whom she doted with such affection and pride. She was a wonderful cook whose eggplant was always a holiday delight. She was a humble and holy lady who was seen daily in prayer with rosary beads in hand. Her sunny spirit was spread throughout 3 continents, as she was born in Sicily, traveled to Australia after her marriage, and relocated to the United States. Sweet, kind and gentle, she will always be remembered for her soft spoken words of wisdom and love.
Antonina is predeceased by her beloved husband Angelo and her beloved son Frank and is survived by a daughter Nancy Michaud and her husband David of Methuen, 2 grandchildren Christopher and Cynthia Michaud both of Methuen, a sister Giovanna Federzone of Italy and many nieces, nephews, and cousins from Connecticut and Italy.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours on Sunday December 22nd from 3-6 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday December 23rd at 11 AM St Monica’s Church in Methuen with burial to follow at Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Ragonese and Michaud family with arrangements