Mary Ellen Maffei, 82, of Londonderry, NH, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, after a brief illness, in her home. She was born on May 5, 1943 in Orange, NJ, a daughter of Joseph and Evelyn (Kaas) Fernicola.
She is survived by three daughters, Cheryl Baldassaro, Christine Rioux and husband Mark, Andrea Paradis and husband Bob; nine grandchildren, Connor and his wife Daley, Evan, Olivia, Zachary, Thomas, Nicholas, Bobby and his wife Kristina, Dharma, and Hannah; and two great grandchildren, Eloise and River Mae.
Mary Ellen’s devotion to her family was the purpose of her life. Her love, generosity and support was never ending. She made efforts to be present in each of their lives. She was a devout Catholic and her faith and church community were significantly important parts of her life. She was deeply involved at St. Judes church and dedicated time to the women’s guild, crafters, and bible study.
Mary Ellen loved to garden in the summer. She was proud of her vegetable garden and shared what she grew with those around her. She was a talented crafter and spent countless hours sewing, knitting, and crocheting. In her younger life, she had a ceramics studio where she taught both children and adults. It was a passion she used to touch the lives of many.
Mary Ellen had countless dear friends and they were also a huge part of the fabric of her life. Those friendships lifted her up through hard times and made her life richer all around.
She is preceded by her loving husband, Henry Maffei III and her daughter, Denise Gozdieski.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am in St. Jude Parish, 435 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry.