Maria Adele Crain

Maria Adele (Cristofori) Crain,

Of Waltham, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, December 7, 2025, in her home at the age of 77.

Born on May 6, 1948 in Waltham, she was the daughter of the late Caldo J. Cristofori Sr. and Angela (DiGregorio) Cristofori. A proud graduate of Waltham High School, Class of 1966, where she was given the key to the city for outstanding academic performance. Maria married shortly after graduating high school to Stephen Crain, with whom she shared 23 wonderful years. The only time Maria left Waltham was when she moved to Virginia while he served in the military, and Maria devoted herself to supporting him during that time. Upon returning to Massachusetts, she made Waltham her lifelong home. Born, raised and lived proudly.

Maria returned home to start her family. Where she was not just a regular mom, Maria was the most devoted # 1 mom in the whole world. Maria always putting her family first.

When she decided to enter the workforce again, she took an entry level position at BayBank where through hard work and determination, rose to the position of assistant VP to her department. She retired in 1997 to loving care for her mother, a role she embraced whole heartedly.

Devoted, selfless, and nurturing, Maria spent her retirement years as a full-time caretaker for her mother and Aunt Adeline. Caring for others came naturally to her. Maria's family meant everything. She was a devoted Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Aunt, Cousin, and the proudest Nana/Nina to her grandchildren. She is fondly remembered for giving the absolute best "Maria" hugs. To her 3 children she was not only their mother but their best friend and constant source of strength and love.

Maria treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren. From taking care of them to watching them grow. Other joys in her life were spent having breakfast with her dear friends and family, daily conversations with her cousin Patricia, shopping excursions where she always found a good bargain, cozy afternoons watching the Hallmark Channel with her puppy Zoe. She had a lifelong passion for singing and always could be heard around her home and in the car. She loved to light up the dance floor with her brother Al. They made family occasions something special with their dancing routine. Maria's warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her. Maria's smile could light up a room and truly brought joy wherever she was.

She is survived by her devoted & loving children; Angela C. McCarthy and her husband Daniel of Marlborough; Stephen M. Crain II and his wife Christine of Waltham; and Jennifer M. DeVito and her husband Darren of Wakefield; her cherished grandchildren Derrick, Sydney, Anthony, Audrey, Domenic, Mattison and Grace; her beloved dog "ZOE" and her dear sister in law Margaret "Midge" (Fahey) Cristofori.

Maria was predeceased by her parents Caldo and Angela and her dear siblings Caldo C. Cristofori Jr and Alfred "Al" Cristofori.

Those who wish to pay their respects to Maria and her family can do so in the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, Waltham on FRIDAY December 12th from 3pm until 7pm. For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.

Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Maria's life to remember the love and friendship she shared with so many others in her lifetime on SATURDAY morning December 13th at 10am from the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham at 11:00 AM.