Rosemarie Veronica Chiancola

Rosemarie Veronica (Mandella) Chiancola went to be with the Lord on November, 3, 2017. She was a strong and independent woman who, at 102 years old, was able to remain living in her home until her death.       She is survived by three sons, Charles, "Sal", of Florida, Sam of Sutton, Anthony of California, and one daughter, Mary of Worcester, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sister, Rita Ritacco of Worcester, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Charles, parents Anthony and Mary, brothers, Joseph, Paul, Alfred, George, Robert, sister, Evelyn Paine, and daughter-in-law Judith Cianciolo.      Rosemarie was born in Worcester, eldest daughter of Anthony and Mary (DeFalco) Mandella. One of eight children, she was blessed to have grown up around her large Italian family, enjoying great food and fun. She was proud of the accomplishments of her family, immigrants who were businessmen and homeowners. She was a graduate of Commerce High School. In 1940 Rosemarie and Charles married and resided in Worcester. After raising her four children, Rosemarie became an Avon Representative. She ran a successful business for many years, retiring in her late eighties. Come to her home on any day and you would be fed. There was pizza, apple pie or Italian cookies to enjoy. Holidays always included her homemade raviolis, meatballs and gravy. She enjoyed sewing and taking classes to improve her skills. Rosemarie was an enthusiastic Red Sox and Celtics fan, sometimes at odds with her husband who was a lifelong Yankees fan. An avid Candelpin bowler, Rosemarie played in women's and couples leagues. She and her husband held the record for the longest amount of years in the couple's league, bowling into their eighties. Being with her family was her greatest joy. Rosemarie was a loving daughter, sister, wife and mother. We were blessed to have had her for so many years. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.      The Chiancola family wants to thank Jewish Healthcare Center Hospice caregivers for their excellent care, especially Dennis. Also, thanks to Sabrina and Linda. Her Funeral and Calling Hours will be on Monday, November 20, 2017; with Calling Hours scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester; then departing in procession for a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Loreto, 33 Massasoit Rd, Worcester.  Interment will follow to Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester, where she will lay beside her beloved husband Charles.      In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Delta Dog, Inc.,who serve local veterans suffering with Traumatice Brain Injury and PTSD, matching them with trained service dogs rescued from MA shelters, PO Box 121, Chelmsford, MA 01824