MARIA GRAZIA PERNIS Ph.D.

PERNIS, Maria Grazia (Sanna Randaccio) Ph.D. Age 97, of Wellesley, MA, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 1, 1927, in Cagliari, Italy, she moved to New York in 1976 from Milan, Italy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Benvenuto Pernis, M.D.; and by her brothers, Giuseppe and Vincenzo. Maria is survived by her sisters, Maria Pia Tramontin, Francesca Toniolo; and brother Marco; her three children; seven nieces and nephews, five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was the cherished mother of Guglielmo Pernis of San Rafael, CA, Alessandra Pernis, M.D. of New York City; and Daniela Muldowney (Michael) of Dover, MA; was the proud "Zia" of Marcello and Bice Boldrini, Rafaele and Valeria Sanna Randaccio, Ludovica, Corrado and Vittorio Tramontin. "Ciao," as she was affectionately called, will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Matthew Lowell (Jennifer), Andrew Lowell, M.D. (Mia Heiligenstein, M.D.), MJ, Patrick and Liam Muldowney; and by her great-grandchildren: Crawford "Ford," Emmett and Delaney "Laney." Maria was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. A lifelong learner, she earned her Ph.D. in Art History, at the age of 65, from Columbia University. An accomplished researcher and public speaker, she co-authored two scholarly books on the Italian Renaissance: "Federico da Montefeltro & Sigismondo Malatesta: The Eagle & the Elephant" and "Lucrezia Tornabuoni de' Medici and the Medici Family in the 15th Century." Her warmth, intellect, curiosity, generosity and love of family shone brightly each day. Maria was also a loyal friend to many. She organized the "Lincoln Ladies" of Wellesley, a cherished group of friends who gathered regularly for social occasions, including weekly bridge. Maria's life was one of resilience, passion and love. From her roots in Italy to her decades in the United States, she carried with her a deep appreciation for art, culture and the bonds of family. She leaves behind not only her scholarly contributions to the world of art history, but also a legacy of kindness, wisdom and devotion that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the generations she nurtured. Visitation at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street, WELLESLEY, on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 4-7pm. Funeral from the funeral home, on Saturday, August 30, at 9am, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Paul Church, Wellesley, at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Delta of New York, P.O. Box 1892, New York, NY 10113. For online guestbook, gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781 235 4100