MARY A. "MARIA" CATALANO

CATALANO, Mary A. "Maria" (Musto) Of Roslindale, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on August 15, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in Revere, MA, and raised in Montefalcione, Italy. Known affectionately as Maria, she lived a life filled with devotion, family, and love.  She shared a beautiful life of 66 years with her late husband, Ennio Catalano. Maria and Ennio met in Naples, Italy and married in 1955. One year later, they embarked on their journey to America, Maria pregnant with twins. They settled in Roslindale, MA, raising their twins, Mario and Diana. They were devoted parishioners of Sacred Heart and active members of the local Italian American community. Maria's legacy continues through her children Mario J. Catalano and his wife Mary K. of Sandwich, MA and Diana A. Orthman and her husband Dennis P. of West Roxbury, MA. She was the loving Nonnie for her grandchildren, Robert Orthman, Jennifer McCullough (Michael), Kristen Orthman, Mark Catalano (Laura), Janice Piscatelli (Andrew), John Catalano, and Paul Catalano. She was a true living legend for her great-grandchildren, Jack, Cora, Michael, William, Emilia, Mia, and Tess.  Her beloved late parents, Serafina and Carmine Musto, instilled in her the values of faith, family, and hard work. Maria is survived by her loving brother Emilio Musto of Stoughton MA. She was predeceased by her brothers, Alessandro, Mario, Nicola, Gaetano, Carlo, and Giovanni; and her devoted sister Pia Crugnale. She also leaves behind a bountiful family of nieces, nephews, and friends in Italy, Australia, and the USA, including her cherished in-laws, John Crugnale of Canton, MA, Ellen Musto of Westwood, MA, and Nina Musto of Stoughton. The eldest daughter in her large family, Maria, helped guide many family members and friends in their journeys to the United States, where they all worked hard to successfully live the American dream. Maria's work ethic and talent as a seamstress was legendary. She was an expert at every aspect of her craft, from fixing a loose button, or custom tailoring an outfit, to creating many first communion suits and prom dresses for her grandchildren and her beloved nieces and nephews. She loved Italy, returning often to visit family, watching the Italian news daily, and cooking delicious homemade meals for her family. She and Ennio always cherished their garden, with a bounty of home-grown fruits and vegetables for jars of tomato sauce and preserves.  Maria will be remembered for her love and devotion. She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Wednesday, August 20, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, at P.E. Murray – F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty and Sons Funeral Home at 2000 Centre Street, WEST ROXBURY, MA. Funeral from the funeral home on Thursday, August 21, at 10:30am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30am at St. Theresa of Avila Church, 2078 Centre Street, West Roxbury. Entombment at St. Michael Cemetery, Roslindale. For live streaming of the Funeral Mass, www.sttheresaparishboston.com In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org For online guestbook, pemurrayfuneral.com P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins George F. Doherty & Sons West Roxbury 617 325 2000