Maria R. Vogel

Maria Rosa (Cristaldi) Vogel, age 103, of North Andover, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Her long life was marked by resilience, deep affection for those she loved, and a joyful spirit that endured through more than a century of change.

Born in Lawrence in 1922, Maria was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Grazzia (Rizzo) Cristaldi. She grew up in a close-knit Italian-American household where family, faith, and tradition shaped her earliest memories. A proud graduate of Lawrence High School, Class of 1940, she was part of the largest graduating class in the school's history, with 759 students. After graduation, she began her working life at Tire Rubber before contributing to the nation's efforts during World War II through her service at the Pentagon, a point of pride she carried throughout her life.

Maria's greatest joy was her family. She was the loving mother of Kathleen LaGrasse and her husband Kenneth, Janis Sambataro and her partner David Johnson, and Joseph Pasters and his wife Donna. She was the adored grandmother of 12 grandchildren, the wonderful great-grandmother of 25 great-grandchildren, and the cherished great-great-grandmother of 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was also the dear sister of Angelo Cristaldi and the mother in law of Jacalyn Pasters. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son William Pasters and her brother Angelo and her grandson Ryan Pasters.

Family was the center of Maria's world. She delighted in gatherings, celebrations, and the simple joy of being surrounded by those she loved. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she embraced it with enthusiasm. She was especially proud to have photographs capturing all five generations of her family, a testament to the legacy she built and the love she nurtured.

Maria lived a life rich with interests and traditions. She loved to travel, especially with her longtime companion, Joseph Lima. Together they explored Sicily, Spain, Portugal, and France, creating stories she shared for decades. She enjoyed playing 45's and bingo, cheering for the New England Patriots, and spending peaceful days by the ocean. One of her favorite places was the black rock wall at the beach, where she would sit, watch the waves, and take in the beauty of the shoreline.

Those who knew Maria will remember her warmth, her humor, her strength, and her unwavering devotion to her family. She lived with grace, embraced life fully, and found joy in both the extraordinary and the everyday.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that her remarkable 103 years were filled with love, adventure, and the presence of those who cherished her. Her legacy lives on in the generations she leaves behind and in the countless memories she created.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society via: https://www.cancer.org/donate

Visiting Hours will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 9:30 am – 11:00 am at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. Her Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home Chapel. Mausoleum Entombment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.