Maria Rosaria passed away on June 14. She was 76 years old. Maria Rosaria was born in Mirabella-Eclano, Italy on May 8, 1945. She was the 3rd child born to Lucia and Michele Sirignano. She had 6 sisters and one brother whom she looked up to her entire life. As her family began to immigrate to America in 1958, Maria Rosaria was unable to join her family because of her disabilities. Her mother never stopped fighting for approval to bring her daughter to the US. That long fought battle finally ended 7 years later on June 9, 1966 when Ted Kennedy signed a proclamation to allow Maria Rosaria to enter the US and join her family in East Boston, MA. Soon after; Maria, her parents and remaining unmarried siblings moved to Revere, MA. Maria Rosaria was not only a daughter and sister but also an aunt to 14 nieces and nephews, 23 grand nieces and nephews and godmother to a grandniece and nephew.
Throughout her life, Maria Rosaria was known for her infectious smile. It was the type of smile that made anyone who met her, want to be kind, generous and compassionate. Although clear communication was a little difficult for Maria Rosaria, one phrase always came out very clear…. I LOVE YOU followed by blowing kisses in the direction of the person greeting her.
Maria Rosaria had a thirst for life. She found joy in being surrounded by family and friends sitting at a table enjoying coffee and dessert. Her sweet tooth was just as sweet as she was. Maria Rosaria always loved a home cooked meal. As years passed, she was frequently visited at her group home by her sister Ida and niece Norma who would prepare her favorite food. If she loved the food, she would give them the highest compliment and say “ Tiene le mani d’oro (dialect for you have golden hands). Of course, that followed with a kiss on their hand and that infectious smile. If it was pasta of any kind like bucatini, they were guaranteed a stink eye followed by “Te Le Mangie Tu’ ” (dialect for you eat them).
Maria Rosaria loved music. Always the first to be on the dance floor for any event, she would dance her heart out and sing to her favorite songs like “Il Ballo di Qua Qua and Marina. After every dance finished, a round of I LOVE YOU’s and kisses always followed. Her favorite TV shows were “I Love Lucy”, the “Lawrence Welk Show” and the 4 old ladies also known as The Golden Girls.
Maria Rosaria would admire her sisters and brother and their marriages. She would always say that she wanted to wear a white dress, have a diamond ring, and get married. Every male she met was her boyfriend. At any given time, she would have 3-4 boyfriends. For her final send off, Maria Rosaria was dressed in her white dress with her bling appropriately placed on her left hand. To remember Maria Rosaria, the family requests that you continue to use the words I Love You, blow kisses to those closest to you and always remember to see the world by your smile. After all when Maria Rosaria would smile, the world would always smile back.
Maria Rosaria’s funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home 306 Main St., Medford, on Monday, June 21, at 9AM followed by a funeral Mass in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central Street, Stoneham at 10AM. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, June 20, from 4 - 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, MA. Chapter, 72 East Concord St., Boston, MA. 02118 or to the American Diabetes Association, 260 Cochituate Road, Suite 200, Framingham, MA 01701.
Maria Rosaria’s service will conclude in the Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum, Everett.