Mary Ferrara, 97 of Medford, died Saturday after a long illness in the Courtyard Nursing Care Center, Medford.

Born in Italy she lived in Medford for the past 55 years and formerly of the North End of Boston. She was the daughter of the late Marion (Coppola) and Angelo DeStefano.

Beloved wife of the late Charles J. “Carmine” Ferrara. Devoted mother of John P. Ferrara and his wife Jeanne of Melrose, Louise P. Knoth and her late husband Robert of OH, Virginia A. Mace and her husband Charles of Melrose, Fred C. Ferrara and his wife Edna of Wilmington, Mary Ann M. Patten and her husband Calvin of Malden. Also survive by 11 loving grandchildren and 10 loving great grandchildren. Sister of Pasquale DeStefano of Melrose, Phyllis Barbuzzi of Lynn, Frances Cuzzupe of Woburn, Sr. Mary Leonora of Newton and the late John DeStefano and Josephine Giso.

Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD Wednesday at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

As an expression of sympathy memorial contributions may be sent in Mary’s name to a Charity of One’s Choice.