Stella Marie (Antonio) Moccia, 100, of Somerville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 28, at Maristhill Nursing Home in Waltham. Born in Handsboro, Mississippi, Stella was the daughter of the late Fiorino and Leonardo (Muscarello) DeFrancescoantonio. After graduating from Beverly High School, she worked various jobs, including as a waitress and cashier, and was known for her strong work ethic and warm demeanor.
Stella was a devoted parishioner of St. Polycarp Church in Somerville. Later in life, she remained actively involved through the St. Ann Senior Center, where she enjoyed staying connected with her faith community and friends. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister during her years of active parish involvement.
Family was the center of Stella’s life. She lovingly cared for several of her grandchildren and cherished time spent with her sisters, sisters-in-law, their husbands, and their families, many of whom have since passed. Those relationships brought her great joy and comfort throughout her life. She also shared a close bond with her husband’s youngest brother, Junior, who survives her.
In her spare time, Stella enjoyed knitting and was especially known for the Afghans she lovingly made for family members, as well as those she donated to the church bazaar.
Stella was the beloved wife of the late George A. Moccia, and the devoted mother of Marie Anderson and her late husband Robert, George P. Moccia and his partner Douglas Hill, Gary Moccia and his wife Theodora, and Daniel Moccia and his wife Mindy. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immense pride and joy.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, January 3rd from 9 to 10:30 AM in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Ann Church, 399 Medford St., Somerville, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maristhill Nursing Home or the National Breast Cancer Foundation.