Donata Piselli Obituary

Of Newton, October 14, 2007, age 95. Beloved Wife of the late Donato Piselli. Devoted Mother of Anthony D. Piselli of Milwaukee, WI and Loretta Schraffa and her husband Robert of West Newton. Loving Grandmother of nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a great great grandson, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Andrew J. Magni & Son F.H., 365 Watertown St, Rt. 16, NEWTON, Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Followed by a Funeral Mass in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton, at 10:3O AM. Interment in Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited, www.magnifuneralhome.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 15 to Oct. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Donata Piselli

10 Entries

Bonnie Fraser

October 25, 2007

I will never forget when my own grandma was dying in 1985 and I was at the Schraffa's for Christmas eve dinner and Nonna told me she would be my nonna. My grandmother passed the next day but Nonna's love for me that day brings me to tears even now. Donata was a special woman and all who knew her were blessed.

Lisa Ann Schraffa

October 22, 2007

Grandma, I know that you heard all this at your funeral mass but it bears repeating and Brian Schraffa wrote it so eloquently

When someone lives 95 years they touch many people in many ways. Here are some things learned from my Grandma and some fond memories we can share together.

BE GENEROUS HOWEVER YOU CAN

Grandma always gave of herself to her family and friends whatever she could. Money was not always abundant so Food was always a big part of her generosity. No matter how many people came to her house, nobody could ever leave hungry. In the early days as wife, mother and friend it was Hand cut, Homemade Pasta with Sunday Gravy full of Meatballs, Sausages and Beef Braciole, Everyone gathered around the big wooden board eating “Bollenda” elbow to elbow, family style or “Stuffed Goullamats and Baccala” on Christmas Eve. As she became “Grandma”, getting a little older and having to appeal more to the youngsters the menu transformed to take out from D and A Pizza- always buying 4 smalls because the 5th one was free and always insisting they “cook it good for the ole lady uppa da street. Lunch with a Grandchild or two meant indulging her “secret vice” of “Chicken Knuckles from Maca-donals” or a special trip to The Chateau or Ritcey’s Seafood in Waltham, taking the Roberts Bus.

BE SELFLESS, INDEPENDENT AND WORK HARD

Grandma had a challenging life. As a young girl, she abandoned formal education to help her ailing mother raise her siblings. As a mother herself, she raised 3 children, ran a house and worked jobs outside the house to help her husband make ends meet and provide for her family. She was an excellent example of a hard worker and independent woman, living alone for 30 years after the death of her husband. She never made excuses or blamed others for her lot in life. Grandma was “no nonsense”, and always held onto her values and beliefs.

LIVE LIFE and LEARN FROM IT –

Grandma always stressed the importance of a good education to the grandchildren because she was NOT able to have one herself. Whenever we got a little crazy or rowdy she would say to us in Italian – “Wake up - you have to use the brains God put in your head.” What she lacked in schooling she made up for in life experience. Grandma never backed down from someone who had more education or money than she did – she treated everyone as equals, showing respect for everyone and commanding respect herself in the process.

FAMILY IS MOST IMPORTANT –

Nothing was more important to Grandma than taking care of her family; First her siblings, then her husband and children. Later in life she definitely spoiled all of her grandchildren in some way. Now, even her great grandchildren have experienced the tremendous love that she gave to all her family.

My Grandmother, Donata Piselli, touched many people in her lifetime. Some have gone before her, some have a long way to go after today. Those of us who were blessed to call her Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt or simply friend have lost a tremendous influence in our lives. Our faith tells us that she is in a better place – embraced by God and rejoined with those who have gone before her. We all will miss her strong presence. Let us not forget all she has given us and make a real effort to pass those gifts unto others in her memory.

We all love you Grandma and will keep you in our hearts and prayers.

Michelle Vachon

October 22, 2007

Donata,

You were my grandmother (Carmella Leone's) best friend. You two are now reunited in such a wonderful place. I remember being younger and my mom would take me to your house to visit you or you would come to our house for cofee. May you rest in peace.

Rosemarie (Cellucci) Zakrzewski

October 17, 2007

Aunt Donata,
You are finally at rest. You looked so beautiful and so peaceful in your final resting place. My memories will last a life time. Your photos remain a treasure to me and my children. You are now with Uncle Dan, my Mom, Eddie and Uncle Jimmy and many other loved ones who have gone before you.
Love your niece, Rosemarie

Richard Mullin

October 16, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Marianne Cellucci

October 15, 2007

To my dear Aunt Donata,
I will think of you often. May you rest in peace now that you are with so many you loved who passed before you. Christine sends her love too. Your Niece, Marianne

Michelle Zeoli-Usseglio

October 15, 2007

Aunt Donata,
With fondness I remember coming to your house. The hole in the ground we weren't supposed to play with (but always did). The cooking - and of course the pizza ordering. "Just get-a a whole bunch-o-da pizzas - I no cook like I used to, I'm getting too old you know. Buy 4 you geta one free". I hope you are ache-free, pain-free and happy. Say hi to Uncle Eddie for me!

You will be missed but the stories will go on forever.

Robyn Beliveau

October 15, 2007

I have fond memories of spending time with Mrs. Piselli. She will be missed.

My condolences to Brian and the family.

Great Grandma and Nicholas - 8.26.2007

October 15, 2007

Nicholas meets his Great Grandma Piselli - 8.26.2007

Brian, Susan and Nicholas Schraffa

October 15, 2007

Grandma,
You were always there for me with strength, love and support. I will never forget all you gave to me and later to Susan too. We will miss your toughness, wisdom and love. We will teach Nicholas all that you taught us and make sure he knows how special his great grandma was....You were "old school" and one of a kind - you touched many people in your lifetime and are now in a better place with Grandpa and all your other loved ones who have gone before you. May you have eternal peace in heaven, embraced by God's love. We feel your presence even though you've left us and will always hold you in our hearts and prayers.

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