Maria Lucia Centofanti

Maria Lucia (DiNezio) Centofanti, age 91, of Westwood, formerly of West Roxbury, died peacefully, Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, in the peace and comfort of her loving family.

Maria was born in Canosa Sannita, Province of Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy, to the late Domenico and Concetta (D'Angela) DiNezio. Raised and educated there, she immigrated to the United States with her young family, arriving in New York City on April 6, 1956. She lived in Westwood for sixteen years, previously in West Roxbury for most of her life.

As a young woman, Maria worked as a seamstress in the Boston garment industry and later was employed as an assembler with Draper Laboratory in Cambridge for several years.

Maria was a woman of great faith and a longtime parishioner of Saint Theresa of Avila Church in West Roxbury. In recent years, she enjoyed attending Latin Masses, celebrated by Rev. Charles J. Higgins, at Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church in Newton.

For ten years, Maria was a member of the Gruppo Folkloristico Orsognese, singing and performing at Italian clubs, churches, and outdoor events throughout the greater Boston area. She loved performing and dressing in the period clothing.

Most of all, Maria's passion was her family. She was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, supporting all their many activities and accomplishments.

Beloved wife for sixty-nine years of the late Giovanni Nicolino Centofanti.

Devoted mother of Susan Assunta DiMascio and her husband Carmine "Nino" of Westwood, John Centofanti of Westwood and mother-in-law of Paula Centofanti of Westwood.

Loving Grandma of Carmine DiMascio and his wife Laura, Brian DiMascio and his wife Robin, Robert DiMascio and Meg Heneberry, Amanda Centofanti and Pat Fleming, Julia Centofanti and her husband Connor Fitzgerald, John Centofanti, and Adrianna Centofanti.

Cherished great Grandma of Eliana and Luca DiMascio, and Cecilia Fitzgerald.

The last of five siblings, Maria was predeceased by Nicoletta Tenaglia, twin brothers Raffaele and Antonio DiNezio, and her twin sister Angela DiNezio.

Maria is also survived by her sister-in-law, Angela Centofanti of Italy, as well as many nieces and nephews in Italy, and cousins.

Visiting Hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Friday, May 16, from 4 - 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A brief visitation will also be held in Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church, 270 Elliot Street, Newton, on Saturday, May 17, from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church, 270 Elliot Street, Newton, on Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. Interment Mount Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury.

For those who wish, donations in Maria's memory may be made to Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church, 270 Elliot Street, Newton, MA 02464.

You are invited to visit www.thesweeneybrothers.com or call 617-472-6344.