Maria E. Manzelli, 91, of Methuen passed away Friday May 31st at the Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Methuen. Maria was born in Providence RI, daughter of the late Vincenzo and Domenica (Milano) Garrasi and was the widow of the late Mario Manzelli. In her early years she lived in Boston’s West End where she attended the Berkley School of Music. She then had her own singing troupe and traveled with the USO during WWII. She then moved to Somerville where she lived most of her life. Maria also had a career as a bookkeeper for forty years with Peoples Finance and Marchionne Insurance prior to retirement. She also was the soloist for many churches in Somerville and surrounding cities. In her free time Maria enjoyed singing, knitting, traveling, playing cards, but most of all spending time with her family.
Maria is survived by two daughters Liz C. Rose-Palmer and her husband Charles Palmer of Methuen, Julie McCulloch and her husband Richard of Salem NH, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is pre deceased by a daughter Carolyn Heniffent and a son Anthony Manzelli. The Manzelli family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their outstanding care for Maria while she was a resident.
Relatives and friends may call Wednesday June 5th from 2-6 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday June 6th at 10:30AM at St Monica’s Church in Methuen. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Maria’s Honor may be made to Patients Activity Fund at The Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 10 Ingalls Ct. Methuen MA 01844. The Pollard Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with the arrangements.