Bernadine (Maglio) DiLuzio, age 90, passed away peacefully while on comfort care at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. Bernadine was a longtime communicant of St. Patrick’s Church in Stoneham, MA.
Bernadine was married to Rudolph G. DiLuzio, who predeceased her at the age of 75. From that time forward Bernadine chose to live on her own at their home in Stoneham. Bernadine was the daughter of Palmina Antico Maglio and Frank Maglio, Sr. She and Rudy were graduates of Medford High School, where they met and fell in love. Both were members of the MHS Band and played the clarinet. Following graduation, Bernadine attended the Katherine Gibbs School, while Rudy went on to Tufts University.
Bernadine was predeceased by her sisters, Anna F. Maglio-Grande and Elvira Pauline Maglio-Morris. During the past ten to twelve years, Bernadine remained in close contact with her brother, Frank Maglio, Jr., who eventually became her caretaker, honoring her steadfast wish to continue living independently. It was difficult for Bernadine to imagine life any other way.
She had no children but was deeply devoted to her nieces and nephews: Donna Petronio-West, Nelson L. Morris, Jr., Paula Morris-Ayers, Mary-Joan Morris-Donahue, Stephen Morris, Frank J. Maglio, Palmina Maglio-Griffin. Bernadine was Godmother to two of these children. One niece, Mary-Joan, predeceased Bernadine.
Bernadine lived a full and interesting life. As she was growing up, with twenty-one cousins to party with at the cousins’ club which meant that cousins from the nine families on her father’s side had a party once a month during the winter. During the summers she was in Marshfield, Massachusetts, with her mother’s side of the family, which included the Savini’s, Leverone’s, and Guarcello’s. As a young woman, she traveled to Italy with her cousin, Mary Ann D’Agostino.
After marrying and settling in Stoneham, Bernadine began her career as a teller at Stoneham Savings Bank. She later became a highly active and devoted member of the Stoneham Garden Club, serving as President from 1979 to 1981 and holding numerous other positions over the years. She was deeply involved at both the club and federation levels and was an active participant in the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, attending Federation schools and immersing herself in horticultural study.
Bernadine amassed many Blue Ribbons at flower shows and was a respected member of the Garden Study Council, Judges Council, and Landscape Design Council. She earned certification as a Consultant, Examiner, and Judge of Floral Design through the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts and was proudly designated an Emeritus Member, an honor she held for many years.
Later in life, Bernadine returned to school and graduated cum laude from Northeastern University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Science. That same year, she earned both her real estate sales and broker’s license working in her home area. She remained active in charitable work, raising funds for breast cancer research, and generously contributed her talents to the Whip Hill Conservation Area in Stoneham by decorating the manor for the annual Christmas festival—an activity she greatly enjoyed.
Bernadine was known for her sharp sense of humor, kindness, intelligence, and grace. She was well spoken, insightful, and deeply loved by many, including her sister-in-law, Priscilla M.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, January 21st in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford from 4 to 7 PM, and again on Thursday, January 22nd at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.