BEVERLY: Virginia M. (Papa) Catania, 80, died Wednesday in her home following an extended illness. She was the wife of the late Paul J. Catania who died in March of 1983.
Born in Beverly on October 31, 1931, she was the daughter of the late John and Angelina (Visco) Papa. As a daughter of Italian immigrants, she was very proud of her heritage. She was a lifelong resident of Beverly and had attended St. Mary’s School.
Virginia was employed as a private cook for several estates in Beverly Farms for many years. She had also cooked for St. Mary Star of the Sea Rectory and Convent for several years. A lifelong communicant of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Virginia enjoyed her time spent with her family and friends and loved to help others in need.
She is survived by her two daughters, Carol Catania and Diana Catania and her son, Joseph Catania all of Beverly, a brother, John Papa of Beverly, several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. She was also predeceased by a brother and two sisters-in-law, Joseph and Patricia Papa and Corrine Papa.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 253 Cabot St., Beverly at 9 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. Interment will be alongside her devoted husband, Paul in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Beverly. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice.