Priscilla (Garceau) Calcagni, 83, of Worcester, passed away peacefully at UMASS Medical Center on Tuesday, November 11th. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Dr. Patricia Zub and grandsons, Cole and Eli Calcagni of Hopkinton; her granddaughter, Justina Calcagni, and great-granddaughter, Arya, of Worcester; her nieces, Tracy Leary and her partner, Chester Maciorowski Jr., and Karen Leary; her nephews, Thomas Leary, all of Springfield and Andrea Novelli of Cinisello, Italy. She also leaves behind her grandnephews, Brendan and Jacob Heacock; her grandniece, Tara Leary, and her partner, Jeremy Saffer; as well as her life partner’s (John Mountuzuis) family—Ted, Anna, Matthew, Marianthe, Lisa (Herrin), Andrew, Christopher and his fiancée Carly (Anderson), and Ezra Mountzuris.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her children, David, Brian, Christopher, and Jeffery Calcagni; her life partner, John Mountzuris; and her sisters, Charmaine Leary and Joanna Garceau.
Born in Springfield, to the late Arthur and Ruth (McDonald) Garceau, Priscilla graduated from Cathedral High School in 1961 and the St. Vincent School of Nursing in 1963. She worked in various areas of nursing throughout her long career but spent most of it caring for inpatient psychiatric patients. She served at Worcester State Hospital and later at the UMass Memorial PTRC, from which she retired at the age of 77. She was a mentor to many younger colleagues and was known as “the most loved nurse.”
Priscilla’s family meant the world to her. She loved spending time with them, often hosting gatherings at her home where she expressed her love through her delicious cooking. She was deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an accomplished gardener, an avid reader, loved the beach, and enjoyed traveling with her sisters. She was a knowledgeable football fan, enjoyed playing Scrabble and word games, and took great pride in winning at Rummikub. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her, including her family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and her beloved dog, Patches.
Her visitation will be held on Monday, November 17th from 10:30–11:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Parish, 353 Grove Street, Worcester, followed by her funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, 162 Webster Street, Worcester. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.oconnorbrothers.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League or any animal shelter of your choice.