Maria (Valeri) Santoro, age 92, of Medford passed away on Wednesday, January 22nd. Born in Vittorito, Abruzzi, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Emidio and Angela Valeri. Maria immigrated to the U.S. in 1966, living first in Malden before settling in Medford, where she has spent over 50 years. During that time, Maria was employed at Schraftt’s Candies in Charlestown. She loved her vegetable and flowers gardens, and was happiest cooking for family and friends.
Maria was the beloved wife of the late Guido Santoro, and the devoted mother of Ignazio Santoro and his wife Denise of North Reading, and Antonio Santoro and his wife Amy of Boxborough. She was the loving grandmother of Jonathan Santoro, Jason Santoro, Joanna Santoro, Justin Santoro and Ella Santoro, and dear sister of Ardenio Valeri and his late wife Ilva, Adriana Presutti and her late husband Pasquale, and the late Domenic Valeri and his surviving wife Teresa. Maria is also survived by her sister-in-law Elaine Santoro and many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Maria’s family in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Friday, January 31st. from 4 PM through 8 PM. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, February 1st at 11 AM concluding with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Maria’s name to Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial Street, Suite 19., Malden, MA 02148.