Mary Jane Kovalski

96, of Wollaston, MA and East Providence, RI, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 16, 2008, after a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Stanley J. Kovalski, Sr. with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Born in Boston, MA she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Emma (Dell Donna) Tortorella. She lived in the South End for many years, moving to Wollaston where she resided for over 50 years before staying with her daughter in East Providence, RI. Mary loved her family, bowling, dancing, her soaps, the lottery, word searches and laughter. She was a member of the South Shore Bowlerettes and Catholic Women's Club at Sacred Heart Church in North Quincy. As her children were growing up, despite her fear of water, she enjoyed spending summers at Jones Beach in Wrentham, MA and Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. As a devoted family woman she felt much joy when family gathered during the holidays and special occasions. Devout in her faith all her life, in her declining years she enjoyed her weekly Eucharistic visits from Fr. Peter DiTullio, Pastor, Sacred Heart in East Providence, RI. Mrs. Kovalski is survived by her beloved children, Stanley J. Kovalski, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Wollaston, Joseph A. Kovalski and his companion Linda of Fall River, Lorraine M. Noyes and her husband Steve of Brockton, Donna M. Kovalski-Plamondon and her husband Bert, with whom she resided in east Providence, RI, Anthony M. Kovalski and his wife Patricia of Duxbury. Nana as she was so affectionately called by her family and friends alike, adored her 22 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren visits with these treasures made her eyes sparkle. She is survived by her beloved sister in law Ann K. Regan of Wollaston. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Thomas Tortorella of Milton, John Tortorella of Quincy, Josephine Forman of Jamaica Plain, Anna Anastos, Natalie and Charles Tortorella of Boston, Margaret Burke of Abington, Fortunata Kovalski and Jenny Smith of Dorchester. Visiting hours Thursday 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock Street, WOLLASTON. Her funeral will be on Friday at 10am with a Mass of Christian burial held in St. Ann's Church, 757 Hancock Street, Wollaston, Friday at 11am. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mrs. Kovalski may be made to Sacred Heart Church Senior Day Care Center, 118 Taunton Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929, will be appreciated. Call 1-800-Keohane or see www.Keohane.com for directions & online condolences.