Maria Caizzone

Maria Caizzone of Belmont passed away peacefully on June 25, 2023 at 88 years old after a long, beautiful life.

Loving mother of Felice Raffa, Venera Raffa, Stefano Raffa, and Caterina Raffa. Cherished grandmother of Daniela Raffa (Scudiero), Alessandro Raffa, Elisa Raffa, Stefano LePrince, Marco Raffa, Matteo Raffa, Alexander Athanasiou, Gabriella Athanasiou, and Luca Athanasiou. Great grandmother of Sienna Scudiero, Carlo Scudiero, and Giuseppe Scudiero. Adored mother-in-law to Alexander Athanasiou, Rosa Raffa, Maria Raffa and grandmother-in-law to Joseph Scudiero.

Maria was born on June 7, 1935 in Messina, Sicily. She moved from Sicily to Brooklyn, New York in 1977 and worked tirelessly to provide for her four children. A life long caretaker as well as chef alongside her sons at Dante Pizzeria, Maria finally hung up her apron after a decade and moved to Massachusetts to spend the rest of her days doing what she loved most in the world— being a devoted Nonna and helping to raise her beloved grandchildren.

Nonna, as she was called by most, was truly a ray of light, a small but mighty force whose love touched everyone she knew. Talented beyond measure she mastered the art of cooking, sewing, and playing “Scopa”. Selfless as they come with a heart of gold she was treasured deeply by all including her sweet puppy, Gigi. To know her was to love her--and how deeply loved she was.

She will be sorely missed by her family but they find solace in knowing she is finally resting in the peace she so deserved and has been reunited once more with her dear mother, Caterina, and sister, Rosina.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Church 132 Lexington Street Belmont on Saturday July 1 at 10:00 AM followed by her burial at Highland Meadow Cemetery, Belmont. Relatives and friends invited.

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