Elizabeth "Betty" M. Polli, age 91, and a longtime resident of Burlington, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2018 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA, surrounded by her loving family. Elizabeth was born on December 29, 1926 in Somerville, MA to Constantino and Maria (Mary) (Bardaro) D'Amato who emigrated from Italy. Elizabeth was devoted to her mother to whom she was a caregiver for many years. She was the beloved wife of the late Leo J. Polli to whom she was married for 65 years, and a faithful communicant of St. Margaret's Parish in Burlington, MA for over 40 years.
Elizabeth joyfully married Leo J. Polli on June 4, 1950 after his return from World War II. Her life was defined by genuine love for and generosity to others, especially her family. Elizabeth embraced her role as a mother and job as a homemaker with passion. Elizabeth had a very feisty personality and there was never any doubt among her husband and children that Elizabeth was the boss. Elizabeth had deep love for her five children and everything she did centered on her commitment to their well-being. Elizabeth was an unspeakably strong and courageous woman who believed in tough love. Her parenting style was firm but fair and there was never a day that Elizabeth was not at home waiting for her kids to arrive after school with something special for them. But they knew not to be late. She was widely recognized as an amazing cook and she spent many hours each day planning and preparing meals for her family who ate together every night. She wanted her legacy to be that all her children turned out well. She achieved that.
Elizabeth's love and generosity extended beyond her immediate family and she was known for giving both love and support to members of the extended family. Elizabeth had an excellent sense of humor and she could made everyone around her laugh, but she was known for randomly doling out "zingers" which could come at any time and when they were least expected.
Elizabeth was avid reader, especially of murder mysteries. Elizabeth was also a woman of great style and she loved fashion and jewelry. She also loved to travel with her husband Leo and family. Her children took her and her husband to Italy where she spent time in Venice, Lake Como and the Alps. And, for Elizabeth and Leo's 50th wedding anniversary, the family traveled to Lake Margiore in Northern Italy for a 10 day celebration. She also explored California wine country and Mexico.
Elizabeth had five children, three grandchildren and one great granddaughter. She is survived by her son Mark Leo Polli and his wife Bonnie (Vasile) of Scarborough, ME; her daughter Anita Maria Polli and her husband Patrick Plunkett of Boston, MA; daughter Gail Elizabeth Polli and her husband James Farrelly of Norton, MA; daughter Mary Terese Polli of Melrose, MA and son Jason Matthew Polli and his wife Tara (Lilly) of Miami, FL. Three grandchildren Jennifer (Polli) Burnham, Megan Dawn Polli and Leo James Farrelly and one great-grand daughter Noelle Olivia Burnham and many nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was predeceased by brothers Leonard D'Amato, Anthony D'Amato, Constantino D'Amato and William D'Amato.
The Polli family would like to extend special thanks to the loyal caregivers at Glen Ridge Nursing Center in Medford, MA who cared for Elizabeth for 15 years, many with whom she became very close. In particular, special recognition goes to her very special friends: Nancy, Ramonde, Evonette, Nadine, Savanie, Carmella, Sara, Marci, Jenny, Beth, Malika and Theresa who called her the Queen or "Queenie." We also want to thank Elizabeth's two very special daily companions Rose Marie Racca, and Diane Jenkins who helped fill her days with happiness and joy.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Tuesday, July 24th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Margaret Church, 109 Winn St., Burlington, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be held on Monday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.