Mary (Maccini) Peitavino age 97, of New Bedford died peacefully in her sleep at the Hathaway Manor on November 22, 2018. She was the beloved wife of the late Harry Peitavino and the loving mother of Janet Peitavino.
Born in Cambridge, the eldest daughter of the late Joseph and Louise (Bergonzi) Maccini, she worked as an accounts payable/receivable clerk at Julius Koch USA until her retirement in 2003 at age 83. After retirement, she often drove Harry to Newport Grand to play the slots.
She was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church, where she was a choir member, Women’s League member, Eucharistic Minister, and recipient of the Marian Medal. Family and faith meant everything to Mary.
Mary was very proud of her Italian heritage and showed it by being an exceptionally excellent cook who specialized in making her own pasta, homemade lasagna, chocolate chip cookies, blueberry muffins and especially her delicious Italian Almond Biscotti. Family and friends will remember the numerous Christmas celebrations that she held at her house and the amount of delicious food that was always present. “Manga!” was her mantra.
In addition to her daughter, survivors include brothers, Joseph Maccini, Jr. and his wife Marilyn, Robert Maccini and his companion, Joan Bobrowiecki, and godchildren: Susan Alves, Debra Barriteau, Richard Bono, and Joey Franceschi. Although she did not have any grandchildren of her own, she was very proud of her many nieces and nephews and was an integral part of their lives.
She was the sister of the late Alfred Maccini, Lillian Bono, Alice Franceschi; sister-in-law of the late Shirley Maccini, Claire Maccini, Frances Peitavino, Louis Bono, Joseph Franceschi, Eugene Peitavino; and Auntie Mae to her late nephews Gary Franceschi and Michael Bono. Mary is now reunited with her husband, sisters, and brothers-in-law, who were exceptionally close and who had gotten married together in a triple wedding ceremony.
As the matriarch of the family, she was a role model: admired and loved. Mary was an outstanding mother, sister, godmother, aunt, and friend. She always put the needs of others before her own. She was exceptionally kind and generous and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visiting hours are Friday, November 30, 2018 from 3-6:00 PM. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, MA followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Mary’s name to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 247 North Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.