Irene J. (Mercurio) Cannava,age 91, a longtime resident of Winchester, passed away on November 3, 2020. She was the beloved wife of the late John J. Cannava, Sr. Born in Chicago, IL, Irene was the daughter of the late John B. and Mary (Graziano) Mercurio. The family moved north, and she was raised and educated in Medford, graduating from Medford High School with the class of 1947. After high school, she attended a bookkeeping program and went to work as a bookkeeper with her father’s insurance company, where she worked for many years.
Love blossomed after an introduction on a blind date with John Cannava, and they discovered that she had waited daily at the bus stop outside the window where he worked. They married and moved to Winchester, where they raised their children and were happily married for over 60 years until his death in 2018.
A talented artist, Irene enjoyed painting with pastels and oil. She particularly painted still life and nature scenes. Her children’s portraits were among her most treasured creations. Her family also gratefully remembered her exceptional cooking and baking skills. They recalled how there was always a plate of food ready for whoever sat at the table, and that hers were among the best meals in Winchester. Her baking was legendary, and the scores of cookie containers that filled up their rooms when she was preparing for the holidays were impressive. The Cannava home was always open to all friends at all times, especially during the Holidays, where the authentic Italian dishes and traditions were abundant, and family and friends looked forward to their parties and the extraordinary food and desserts for which they were known.
Mrs. Cannava is lovingly survived by her children: John Cannava, Jr. and wife Maureen of Woburn, David Cannava and girlfriend Rosemary Guilfoil of Billerica, Diane M. Cannava Reynolds and husband Kenneth of Woburn. She was also the dear sister of John B. Mercurio, Jr. of ME, and the devoted grandmother of Jacqueline and Joseph Reynolds. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are private. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, payable and sent to The Foundation of the MEEI, Inc., 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114 or on-line at www.masseyeandear.org/makeagift.