Florence (Gismondi) Magliozzi, died peacefully on January 21, 2005 at the Woodbriar Nursing Home in Wilmington. She was 89 years old. Florence was born in Boston on April 28, 1915, the oldest daughter of three children of the late Alfredo and Olga (Ascani) Gismondi, Italian immigrants.
Florence was widowed at an early age and raised her two children, Rusty and Olga. She was a strong but kind woman. Flo worked most of her life, first after school helping her parents at their grocery store in Jamaica Plain and then as a hair dresser, leaving school at the age of 14. Self employed as a hairdresser for over 75 years, 40 of which was at Flo’s Beauty Shop out of her home on Mendelssohn Street in Roslindale. She was a cornerstone of the neighborhood and had many friends.
In 1993 she sold her home and shop to move to Foxboro to live with her daughter. Being in Foxboro didn’t keep her away from Roslindale, as she would travel back weekly to wash and style her customer’s hair in their own home. She would also take friends who couldn’t drive to their doctor’s appointments or run errands. She also enjoyed her frequent bargain hunting trips to her favorite stores, and was able to sneak in a fried-clam lunch in from time to time.
Florence also enjoyed dancing at the State Ballroom in Boston and Mosley’s On the Charles in Dedham every Friday night until she was in her early 80’s. Florence was an avid traveler, seeing family and friends in Italy four times as well as trips to Germany, Holland and France.
For the past year, Flo lived with her son Rusty and his loving wife Marie in Middleton.
She was truly devoted to her family, always spending time cooking her famous Italian dishes for all family occasions. Affectionately known as “Gram” to just about everyone, Florence was the true matriarch of the Magliozzi family and will be sorely missed.
She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Magliozzi. Loving mother of Rusty and his wife Marie and daughter Olga and her husband Roy V. Borgatti of Foxboro. Devoted sister of Celia Denehy of Malden and the late Americo A. Gismondi. Cherished grandmother of Tanya A. Magliozzi of Rowley, Joel J. and his wife Lisa A. Magliozzi of Medford, Dana J. and his wife Jennifer Magliozzi of Phoenix, Arizona, Katrina M. and her husband Michael C. Cuscia of Foxboro, and Joseph K. Fredriksen and his wife Jill C. Pasini-Fredriksen of Medfield. Great grandmother of Amelya F., Chiara M., Nathan M. Sabatini, Hailey A., Sophia M., Matteo O., Brandon C., and Austin W. Magliozzi.
Funeral from the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford, Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church, 118 High Street, Medford at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment, St. Michael’s Cemetery, Roslindale.
Donations in Florence’s memory may be made to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 265, Burlington, MA 01803.