Maria (Barretto) Lazzara of Medford died at home Tuesday surrounded by her loving family. She was 72.
Maria was born and raised in Abruzzi, Italy, the daughter of the late Arnoldo and the late Domenica (Bernabae) Barretto. As a young woman of 18 years she came to the United States and settled in Medford. She worked hard to provide for her family. She set up a daycare in her home and for 40 years cared for generations of children. Mary’s Day Care was a trusted place for local children and year after year youngsters were taught and nurtured by their “Nonna”. Maria was devoted to her own children and generously cared for them. She had a special place in her heart for her own grandchildren.
The beloved mother of Dena Paraison and her husband Lotmax of Medford, Gilda Cacciola and her husband Wayne of Tewksbury, Mary Ellen Lazzara of Medford, Annette Lazzara-Aloise and her husband Tommy of Saugus, Steven Lazzara, Jr and his wife Barbara of Medford, Maria leaves her loving grandchildren: Gabrielle, Bianca, Samantha, Danielle, Jessica, Anthony, Ryan, Brittany, Brett, Domenic and his baby brother and her loving great-granddaughter, Gianna. She was a dear sister to Lena Catrino, Gilda Barretto, Sergio Barretto, Antoniette Wooten, Rita Barretto, Johnny Barretto and the late Steven Barretto. She was predeceased by her former husband Stefano Lazzara.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Friday from 4 thru 8 PM and to attend a funeral service at the funeral home Saturday morning, September 24th at 10. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.