Anna Lucille Della Monica

SALEM- Mrs. Anna Lucille Della Monica, 81 of Salem, beloved wife of John Della Monica of Salem, died unexpectedly, Friday, May 23rd, 2014 at Salem Hospital, surrounded by her family. Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Maria (Femino) Della Monica. She was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School. Anna received her Bachelor's Degree in Music from the New England Conservatory of Music and continued her education at Boston University earning her Masters in Music. A talented and well known Musician specializing in Organ and Piano music, Anna was the Organist since the age of 15, at the former St. Mary's Italian Church in Salem until the time of it's closing in 2002. She then moved on to St. Joseph's Church in Salem and upon its closing she matriculated to St. Thomas the Aquinas Church in Nahant. Anna was known for her mastery of the keys. Piano or organ she could make the instrument sing. She shared her talents in music with others through private piano and organ lessons. Having the opportunity to celebrate precious moments in people's lives she took great pride and enhancing a family's special day, whether a funeral, wedding or first communion, Anna's music and musical accompaniments enriched the celebrations she partook. She was known throughout the North Shore for her exquisitely played music. A loving and outgoing personality endeared Anna to many. She was known for her devotion to her former church and the dedication she had to the faith and her Italian neighbors throughout Salem and the North Shore. She had a love of travel having visited all of the National Parks and National Monuments through the Untied States. She visited every state in the Union and made friends where ever she traveled. She visited many countries in Europe and had a special love for the Eiffel Tower in Paris. She had a passion for animals and would often be willing to take in a stray and give it the loving home it deserved. She was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and siblings. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. In addition to her loving husband of 56 years, Anna is survived by her daughters, Vittoria Della Monica of Salem, Carmen Freeman and her husband Christopher of Salem and Jonna Della Monica and her husband William Brooking of Salem, her five grandchildren, Alexandria and Arianna Marquis, Oliva Freeman and Aaron and Elijah Godin, her two great grandchildren, Alessandra and Jameson Marquis, her sister, Sylvia Flynn of Salem, her brother Peter Della Monica of Danvers and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Leah Thibodeau. ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral service will be held in The O'Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem, Thursday, May 29th at 12 noon Relatives and friends invited. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10 to 12 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Anna's memory to the Animal Shelter of your choice. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com