Maria Lucia (DiCenso) D'Alessio, age 85, of Medford passed away on Friday, October 10th, at Chestnut Woods Rehab & Healthcare of Saugus. Born and raised in Sulmona, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Domenico and Bettina (DiGirolomo) DiCenso. Maria immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1960s, settling first in Boston’s North End before moving to Medford in 1983.
Maria was an excellent cook and worked as a manager in her family’s restaurant: Mona Lisa’s located on State St. in Boston’s Financial District. She was a very strong and resilient woman, and an amazing and protective mom. Maria also had an incredible voice and love to sing in Italian.
Maria was the beloved wife of Antonio D'Alessio, and the devoted mother of Annalisa D'Alessio, and Antonella D'Alessio and her Fiancé Eric Grava. She was the cherished aunt of Elisabetta DiCenso and Domenic DiCenso, and great Aunt of Phillip Harmon. Maria was predeceased by her dear brother Francesco DiCenso and his late wife Helen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford, on Wednesday, October 15th at 11:30 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours have been omitted and burial will be private. Following the church service, guests are invited to gather at Rt. 1 Grill House, 817 Broadway, Saugus. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Maria’s name to the Italian Home for Children, 1125 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.