Mafalda Nocera Gagalis

GAGALIS, MAFALDA NOCERA
Mafalda Nocera Gagalis age 92 beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister passed peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday April 22, 2012. She was a resident of Dexter, Mi. for the past four years and a longtime resident of Pinellas Park and Clearwater, Fl. Mafalda was the embodiment of what it means to be a giving, eternally happy, and loving person. The daughter of Italian Immigrants living in New Castle, Pa. her parents died when she was a young girl. She was raised by the older children of her six siblings. During WW II she worked for the Dept. of the Navy in Washington DC. After the war she moved to Ann Arbor to be with her niece a UM music student and worked at the UM hospital. While there she met and married James Gagalis a WW II navy vet. In 1960 Mafalda, James and their four children moved to Florida. Mafalda worked as a bookkeeper at her children's high school and was the motivating force ensuring a good education for each of her children. In retirement "Murf" enjoyed attending athletic events and performances of her grandchildren and playing piano with them, as well as painting, reading, listening to music and last but not least those confounded crossword puzzles. Preceding her in death is James, her husband of 56 Years. Survivors include her four children: Jim (Cathy) and Debbie of Dexter, Mi., Rebecca (Steve) of Ellicott City Md., and Lori (Rick) of Centreville MD along with her 11 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Scleroderma foundation, and the Dexter Library or Senior Center.
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